Australian marriage equality advocates have welcomed reports that the Young Liberals will urge the federal party to allow a conscience vote on the issue.

A new sex education strategy launched by the Tasmanian Government this week has been applauded by LGBTI groups.

LGBTI people across Australia will be forced to wait some time longer for same-sex marriage laws after Tasmania’s Upper House last night scuttled a bill that would have allowed same-sex couples to enter into marriages recognised by the state.

Tasmania will not become the first Australian state or territory to legislate for same-sex marriage after the state’s Upper House today voted down a bill co-sponsored by Premier Lara Giddings and Greens Leader Nick McKim.

Tasmania could become the first state to introduce same-sex marriage laws after debate commenced in Tasmania’s Upper House late this afternoon with a final vote on the bill not expected until tomorrow or maybe the next sitting day of parliament.

Tasmania is one step closer to becoming the first Australian state or territory to introduce marriage equality, with Premier Lara Giddings today tabling a co-sponsored bill allowing same-sex couples to legally marry.

A peaceful vigil is planned for Hobart this Thursday night outside a national meeting hosted by Tasmanian churches and other groups opposed to same-sex marriage, with former tennis champion turned fundamentalist Christian pastor Margaret Court also expected to address the gathering.

Hobart City Council is planning to mark the controversial arrests of over 100 gay rights activists at Salamanca Place in 1988 with a series of public artworks.

Same-sex couples in Tasmania will be allowed to adopt local and overseas children under changes being considered by the State Government.

The first LGBTI Pride Parade since Tasmania decriminalised homosexulaity was a great success, organisers say.