The removal of discrimination against same-sex couples wanting to marry in Australia is only a matter of time, the Prime Minister Julia Gillard has told marriage equality advocates.

Settling for a compromise does not equal make, as exemplified by the latest push for civil unions, writes Nicky Bryson.

While most people would say that they were offended by what you wrote, I was disappointed.

Moving too soon on gay marriage by rushing legislation through parliament is more than likely to have the opposite effect of proloning the debate, writes Rodney Croome.

In 2010, Argentina became the first nation in South America to legalise same-sex marriage. But as its gay rights advocates tell Katie Hoskins, the fight for same-sex equality is far from over.  

One of the key moments in 2011 was the endorsement of gay marriage by the ALP at its national conference. And it was a feat largely attributable to the work of Rainbow Labor. Sed Crest offers an insight into how it all happened. 

Former tennis champion Margaret Court has defended her recent comments on homosexuality and gay marriage which has sparked talks of protest at the Australian Open.

Equal rights movements in the United States have welcomed announcements from Washington State Governor Chris Gregiore and Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachman.

More same-sex couples are taking part in the new online project Marriage Equality Matters (www.mymarriagestory.com.au), which is giving committed gays and lesbians a platform to be part of Australia's marriage equality movement. Here are some of their stories.

The Australian Labor Party has voted to amend its policy platform in support of marriage equality. 

ADELAIDE: The current Mayor and youngest in the history of the Adelaide suburban City of Unley, Lachlan Clyne is welcoming any celebration of diversity, says Alex Dunkin

And so the ALP’s National Conference has finally arrived. This weekend, Australia’s oldest political party will thrash out its National Platform and finalise its positions on contentious issues such as selling uranium to India, asylum-seeker policy and, of course, same-sex marriage.

Thomas Vale-Slattery offers a glimpse of some of the engaging reflections in the recently released Speak Now: Australian perspectives on same-sex marriage.

Recent weeks at Parliament have been a hive of activity since the MP Andrew Fraser launched his private member’s Bill to introduce civil unions into Queensland. Phil Browne has been following the debate.

A New Zealand couple about to move to Melbourne are saddened their historic civil union will be worth nothing over here, reports Ron Hughes.