Opposition leader Bill Shorten saw the news during Question Time, and was quick to respond.
Alright, let's win this. #marriageequality
"I note the High Court's decision moments ago in relation to the prime minister's $122 million postal survey on marriage equality," he said. "Will the prime minister work with the community to show his active support for marriage equality and will the prime minister now accept my invitation to write a joint letter to every Australian to support voting 'yes' in the survey?"
The prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, responded that he would be voting "yes", but would not commit to campaigning.
"We encourage every Australian to vote in this survey, to have their say, and as I have said in this house and in many other places, Lucy and I will be voting 'yes' and I will be encouraging others to vote 'yes', but, Mr Speaker, above all, I encourage every Australian to have their say because unlike the leader of the opposition I respect every Australian's view on this matter," he said.
"And I thoroughly reject the way in which he has sought to vilify and demonise people who have a different view to him."
Greens leader Richard Di Natale said, "Love WILL win."
Love WILL Win. #ChooseLove #MarriageEquality Stand with us at https://t.co/TFk3sKX74f
Deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek said sorry for what was to come.
I'm sorry LGBTI Australians, their families + friends have to go through this. But we're with you. Together we'll keep fighting for equality
Treasurer Scott Morrison (who is voting "no") is pleased.
Pleased that Australians will get to have their say on SSM #auspol
Greens LGBTIQ spokesperson and one of the plaintiffs in the High Court case, Janet Rice, said she was disappointed with the result.
"I’m very disappointed that the High Court challenge was not successful, especially in the face of what has already been a damaging and untruthful campaign by the ‘no’ side," she said.
Tasmanian independent senator Jacqui Lambie said she would be guided by how Tasmania votes to determine how she would vote in parliament. "It's not an ideal way forward on this matter, but it is the only option we have before us," she said.
The High Court has ruled the postal survey will go ahead, so let's make the most of it. Ensure your voice is heard… https://t.co/XNNJKBjxqo
Liberal senator for Tasmania Eric Abetz said the survey was about political correctness.
The marriage survey will go ahead. SIGN UP to help us say NO to political correctness. https://t.co/mx8gsZ9ODt
Attorney-general George Brandis rejected this assertion, telling the Senate that the survey was not a referendum on freedoms, radical LGBTIQ sex education as the Australian Christian Lobby had asserted, and had nothing to do with political correctness.
AG George Brandis rejects ACL's claim the postal survey is about sex ed in schools & Eric Abetz's claims its about… https://t.co/9h6jdlvmWF
"It is a survey to determine the opinion of the Australian people on the question that is asked and that question is – should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry? That is the only question to which the Australian people are being asked their advice," Brandis told the Senate.
Liberal Democrat senator David Leyonhjelm expressed his view that the debate wasn't anything to do with anything but marriage.
Bullshit. You can have your own opinion but not your own facts. https://t.co/BNXZvOUMZ6
Education minister Simon Birmingham said he'd be voting "yes".
I welcome High Court decision & will #voteYes to support individual rights & freedoms as well as equality of loving & stable relationships.
NSW Labor MP Justine Elliot painted her colours early
Let's win this! Vote Yes! #MarriageEquality