Thousands rally to support gay marriage

22 Nov 2010

Melbourne - 20 November, 2010

Thousands of people have marched through the streets of Melbourne, including politicians and celebrities, to call for equal marriage rights for same sex couples.

The protesters are urging the public to punish political parties who oppose same sex marriage when they go to the polls later this month.

They say despite the Marriage Act being a Commonwealth issue, voters should use the upcoming Victorian election to send a message to federal politicians.

Comedian Josh Thomas spoke at the rally and says he cannot see why some politicians will not support gay marriage.

"I just don't understand people that are against it, I don't understand their points," he said.

"If you don't want to get married to a gay person that's fine, but why would you want to stop other people from being normal? It makes no sense."

The state's Education, Skills and Workforce Participation Minister, Bronwyn Pike, who also attended the rally, is at odds with her party's policy on same sex marriage.

"I support gay marriage, there are lots of people within the Labor Party who support gay marriage, many of them are standing with me today," she said.

"I think this is a journey that's unstoppable and I think we will see full marriage equality in this country in the not too distant future."

Via ABC News