million in wedding spend if it follows up its in-principle support for marriage equality with legislation. The passage of the motion also sent out a positive message to the rest of Australia about how much Tasmania has changed. The state which once lagged so badly on LGBTI human rights is now determined to lead the way because we, as much as anyone, understand how damaging discrimination and prejudice can be. Most of all, the successful motion sent a positive message to LGBTI people that their political leaders recognise their rights, their citizenship and their full humanity. "I'm so happy. I'm just so happy," a recently-out Tasmanian gay teenager exclaimed on YouTube. People who think it's "meaningless" to give young gay people that kind of hope simply don't have a heart. My hope is that other state and territory parliaments will follow Tasmania's lead and pass their own motions in favour of equality. Beyond the cheers, the hugs and the microphones, what I saw last Wednesday was the light at the end of the marriage equality tunnel. I'm now more determined than ever that sometime soon the nation will reach that light.