Marriage equality dinner put 'people before politics'

A meeting in Canberra between marriage equality advocates and key federal independents has been hailed as a success.

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie of Denison, Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott and New England MP Tony Windsor dined with marriage equality advocates Alex Greenwich of Australian Marriage Equality, Shelley Argent of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, anti-homophobia campaigner and educater Daniel Witthaus, leading equal rights activist and SX columnist Rodney Croome.

Also present was Beverly Cheers, a mother from Inverell in Tony Windsor's electorate of New England; Megan McLachlan, an out woman from Rob Oakshott's electorate; , Evelyn Gray, a mother from Wollongong, and Pam Vicarioli, the mother of a gay son from Kennedy MP Bob Katter’s home town of Mount Isa.

Katter was conspicously absent from the evening's proceedings.

Greenwich said there was "unanimous agreement" among the independents that, should same-sex couples be able to marry in Australia, faith communities should be able to retain their right not to solemnise such marriages.

"We are pleased there was unanimous agreement about the right of religious celebrants not to marry couples against their beliefs because it sends a message to churches that they have nothing to fear from this reform," Greenwich said.

"The dinner put people before politics by highlighting the personal stories of ordinary people from the independents' electorates," Greenwich added.

"The independents listened carefully to the compelling stories they heard and showed active interest in what their constituents told them."

"Last night was an example of how people from widely diverse backgrounds can come together to discuss marriage equality in a respectful, enjoyable and constructive way."

The dinner was won by lobby group Australian Marriage Equality (AME) at the parliamentary Mid Winter Ball held earlier this year in Canberra, during which AME also successfully bid for an evening's meal with Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Gillard has yet to set a date for her dinner with the advocates.

Pictured: Independent MPs Tony Windsor, Rob Oakeshott and Bob Katter seen with Greens MP Adam Bandt.