Audio from Sarah's door stop in Canberra also featuring Simon Sheikh from GetUp! and Alex Greenwich from Australian Marriage Equality. GetUp! is handing out 3,000 roses to MPs today as part of the equal love campaign.

Today is the eve of Valentine's Day—a big day for love in the Australian parliament. We have here the first equal marriage bill ever to be introduced in this chamber. Last year, I successfully moved a motion calling on parliamentarians to consult their community about their views on marriage equality. We did that so that it could be understood in this place that outside views have moved on and that people in Australia want to see equality in our marriage laws. At the time I said: Love knows no boundaries. Love knows no limits. And love knows when it has found its partner.

It is with great pride that I present the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2012 and the explanatory memorandum. Today is the eve of Valentine's Day-a big day for love in the Australian parliament. We have here the first equal marriage bill ever to be introduced in this chamber.

Audio from Sarah and Adam's door stop on Greens' marriage equality bills now being in both houses of parliament after Adam introduced his bill this morning.

The Greens' marriage equality bill has today been referred to a Senate inquiry, giving all Australians the chance to have their say on removing discrimination from the Marriage Act.

"This is a great moment for everyone who wants to see same-sex Australian couples have the same rights as heterosexual couples," Greens' marriage equality spokesperson, Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young, said.

"The Greens thank the MPs from both sides of parliament who have agreed an inquiry is needed help those undecided MPs learn first-hand why the law needs changing.

Audio from Sarah's door stop in Canberra on referring the Greens' marriage equality bill to a Senate inquiry. Also joined by Alex Greenwich from Australian Marriage Equality and Shelley Argent from Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Other topics covered include childre in detention and sexism toward women politicians.

Audio from Sarah's door stop in the Senate courtyard. She spoke about making it a priority to release children and their families from detention centres, marriage equality legislation and sexism toward PM Gillard.

The Greens have for years urged the government to issue certificates of non-impediment to same-sex couples marrying overseas, which was a recommendation from the senate inquiry into the Greens' marriage equality bill in 2009.

"The Government and the new Attorney General should be congratulated for finally reversing that position, but it falls short of what is needed," Greens' marriage equality spokesperson, Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young, said today.

The Greens have today announced they will refer their marriage equality bill to a senate inquiry to increase the chances of it passing so that same-sex couples can have full legal recognition of their public declaration of love.

"Our Marriage (Equality) Amendment Bill 2010 has been on the table in parliament for more than a year and I believe having it passed is achievable if done right," Greens' marriage equality spokesperson, Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young, said.

She made the announcement in Canberra along with Alex Greenwich, National Convenor of Australian Marriage Equality.

What a year to be Green!

Right from the start, 2011 has been a year of victory for the planet and for a more compassionate, equal Australia. Together we have achieved great things!