The Australian Greens are disappointed that the major parties have ignored the compelling argument for allowing reform of the Marriage Act to give all Australians the right to marry the one they love, regardless of gender.

Senator Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for Sexuality and Gender Identity, introduced a Marriage Equality bill in June this year. Today marks the release of a Senate report into her bill, following an inquiry which drew more than 25,000 submissions.

"We are disappointed that despite supporting evidence to the inquiry the Committee's report has recommended that my bill, which would provide marriage equality for all Australians, should not be passed,'' Senator Hanson-Young said.
"The Greens renew the call for the Prime Minister to show leadership on this issue rather than continuing to stand in the way of necessary reform.

"The Australian public wants to debate this issue - they responded to the Senate inquiry into the bill in record numbers and latest polling shows 60 per cent support for equal marriage.

"We urge the Prime Minister to bring this debate on, and to allow his party a conscience vote. The Greens will be pursuing passage of the bill when Parliament resumes in the New Year.''

Many countries around the world, including Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Spain, South Africa, and many states in the United States already recognise same-sex marriage.

Tens of thousands of Australians will be taking to the streets this weekend to mark a Day of Action to launch a National Year of Action on Marriage Equality. Senator Hanson-Young will be speaking at a rally at Sydney Town Hall which starts at 1pm on Saturday.

Yesterday Warren McGaw and Chris Rumble became the first same-sex couple to have a civil ceremony under new ACT legislation, as they declared their love and commitment in front of friends and family in the rose garden at Old Parliament House in Canberra.

A motion - co-sponsored by Senator Hanson-Young and Liberal Senator Gary Humphries - calling for recognition of the sovereignty of Territories to legislate within their powers without interference from the Federal Government, was defeated in the Senate this morning.

"It is sad to move so quickly from a story of such optimism, of shared love and commitment, to the blinkered view of the major parties who refuse to see that this is not a gay issue, it is a human rights issue,'' Senator Hanson-Young said.

"We shouldn't be discriminating against love - all couples should have the right to declare their love and not just in a non-descript registry office.

"It's time for action, Prime Minister - where is the love for all Australians?''