(Image source from: Australia gives a nod to same-sex marriage})

After New Zealand, Australia now paves way for gay marriages next, becoming the second Asia-Pacific country to do so.

Melbourne today legalized gay marriage, becoming the first  Australian city to allow same-sex weddings.

Gay marriages are common in many Australian states, but since the federal law doesn't recognize it, same sex couples are not formally recognized as married by the government.

The new law passed by the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) 17-member Legislative Assembly in Canberra means the first weddings could take place by the end of the year, Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said.

"I am sorry that the Commonwealth threat hangs over this law," Gallagher said referring to the national government's warning it would challenge the law in the High Court. "But couples who marry will do so with their eyes open to the action that the Commonwealth is taking."

She added: "We understand this creates some uncertainty ahead, but that should not deter us; it does not rattle us and it doesn't change our path."

AW: Suchorita Dutta  Choudhuruy