Ahead of tomorrow’s vote in the federal Senate on a marriage equality bill, the Australian Human Rights Commission (HRC) has today released a position paper outlining its support for same-sex marriage as the “next step” towards achieving full equality for LGBTI people.

Foreign Minister and Labor elder statesman Bob Carr has declared his public support for marriage equality ahead of a likely vote on the issue in the Senate this week.

Western Australia is following the lead of other states and territories by introducing a bill that would allow for state-based same-sex marriage.

Marriage equality advocates have said it is not too late for the public to attempt to change the minds of politicians who may oppose the reform ahead of a vote in Federal Parliament on the issue next week.

While some Australian Christian leaders have been busy over the past week comparing the life expectancy of the gay community to that of smokers, counterparts in the UK are said to be upset after a war of words erupted over the use of the word ‘bigot’ by the country’s Deputy PM Nick Clegg.

Though Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) chief Jim Wallace may not have found too much support for his controversial claim that smoking was healthier than the “gay lifestyle” it seems he has one reliable ally in Dr Peter Jensen, the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney.

Australia’s largest professional association for civil celebrants have voted to support marriage equality.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has sensationally withdrawn from addressing the national conference of the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) early next month after the head of the fringe religious group yesterday claimed smoking cigarettes was healthier than same-sex relationships.

The ACT Labor Government has indicated it will legislate for same-sex marriage in its next term of office should it win the upcoming territory elections in a month’s time.

Inspired by US President Barack Obama, Federal Education Minister Peter Garrett has said he will continue to stick by his principles and support marriage equality despite coming under attack from members of his local Labor Party branch for his views.

A new national cross-denominational Christian advocacy group has been formed by a senior Queensland Anglican leader to ensure progressive Christian voices are heard during debates of social, cultural and religious importance.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key has voiced his excitement about marriage equality becoming a reality in the country, after a bill to legalise same-sex marriage passed its first reading with an overwhelming majority.

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.

The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) are claiming Labor's defeat in the Northern Territory election is due to the party's support for marriage equality.

A bill to legalise same-sex marriage in New Zealand would get through its first stage according to a poll run by that country's Herald newspaper.