ACT Deputy Chief Minister Andrew Barr is said to be “personally saddened” by suggestions from marriage equality groups and other LGBTI activists that the Government’s proposed amendments to its civil unions laws are a step back for same-sex couples.

Marriage equality advocates claim Australians may feel a little ashamed of their leaders today with New Zealand’s Parliament soon set to vote on same-sex marriage laws and the Scottish Government announcing it too will press on with plans to legislate for same-sex marriage.

High-profile marriage equality advocate Geoff Thomas plans to meet with Immigration Minister Chris Bowen in coming days after the Western Sydney MP revealed he would vote against a marriage equality bill when it comes before Federal Parliament later this year.

One of the country’s best known advocates for gay rights, Alex Greenwich, has decided to enter the world of politics with the Sydney local joining Lord Mayor Clover Moore’s team of independent candidates ahead of September’s City of Sydney council elections.

In large part, Malcolm Turnbull’s recent landmark speech on marriage equality was praiseworthy.

Known for their handmade soaps and environmentally-friendly stance, LUSH Cosmetics has decided to join the ongoing fight for marriage equality in Australia and will transform shop fronts this week into ‘campaign centers’ for the cause.

High-profile Liberal MP Malcolm Turnbull has been forced to defend himself after first winning the admiration and then the ire of some marriage equality activists following a major speech outlining his belief civil unions were more likely to be legislated for despite his personal support for same-sex marriage laws.

A new report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has shown same-sex couples are beginning to make up a larger portion of Australia’s total number of couples.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s continued stance against same-sex marriage has been labelled “hurtful and embarrassing” by marriage equality advocates.

A new video campaign by the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) showing how same-sex marriage will lead to polygamy has been labelled “simply not Christian” by marriage equality advocates.

Marriage equality advocates have welcomed the news that the Danish parliament has voted in favour of legalising same-sex marriage.

It is believed a majority of ministers in the Federal Government now support marriage equality after Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Minister Greg Combet made his support public in a recent letter to a constituent.

Almost three quarters of voters believe Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has turned his back on Liberal Party traditions by not allowing a conscience vote on the issue of same-sex marriage, according to a major opinion poll released today.

He is regarded as one of the country’s most prominent advocates for the introduction of same-sex marriage but over the weekend Australian Marriage Equality national convener Alex Greenwich put politics aside for some personal happiness instead, marrying his long-term partner Victor Hoeld in a ceremony in Buenos Aires.

Academy Award winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black’s play, 8, on the controversial referendum that stripped gay and lesbian couples of the freedom to marry in California will premiere in Sydney and Melbourne next month with an all-star local cast including Daniel Macpherson and Lisa McCune.