Marriage equality advocates have the Herculean task before them of convincing Tony Abbott of allowing a conscience vote, writes Brian Greig, former Democrats senator and gay rights campaigner.
Same sex marriage
Rainbow flags rule out love match with Margaret Court
If you support Australian values such as equality, fairness and mateship, whether you’re straight, gay or anything else, take along a little rainbow flag and wave it for the cameras, writes Doug Pollard, a broadcaster and journalist in Melbourne.
Brian Greig: oh Bettina, you Arndt telling the truth!
Social commentator Bettina Arndt earnestly told readers in The Australian that prejudice can make life miserable for children with same-s-x parents, writes Brian Greig, former Democrats senator and gay rights campaigner.
Bolt: I want marriage equality for all
To point out the blindingly obvious, many of us regardless of sexuality want to get married; we want the ceremony that is such a significant marker in life’s journey, writes Stephanie Bolt, sister of Herald Sun columnist Andrew Bolt.
Global responses to Hilary Clinton’s LGBT rights speech
Hilary Clinton’s gay rights UN speech had a strong impact in the US, but how was it reported across the world? John Hudson scans global media oulets.
Guy Rundle: The Drum, gay marriage and knowing your history
How did the cultural left win the war on marriage equality, asks Kevin Donnelly at The Drum? His answer? Radical leftists completed what he claims Antonio Gramsci called “the long march through the institutions”, to control the heights of debate.
A bad conference for Gillard, and maybe worse for her party
The ALP national conference did nothing to dispel perceptions about Julia Gillard’s judgment - or the party’s inability to renew itself.
Rudd parties with gay activists; will ‘examine bill closely’
Has Kevin Rudd changed his tune on gay marriage? Andrew Crook found him celebrating with activists last night at the ALP national conference, reporting the latest at The Stump.
ALP rules in favour of gay marriage conscience vote
The ALP’s 46th National Conference has decided to allow a conscience vote on gay marriage. However, the victory for the ALP left is strictly symbolic, writes Andrew Crook.
Feeney: why I support a conscience vote on gay marriage
I have been particularly struck by the testimony of same-sex couples about their desire to see their relationships treated with the same dignity and respect as heterosexual relationships, writes David Feeney, Labor Senator for Victoria.
What did we learn from consultation about same-s-x marriage? Not much, it turns out …
Asking MPs to consult with voters on same-sex marriage has told us nothing more than we already knew, including that parliament is out of touch on the issue.
Crikey Says: Crikey says: the public have already spoken
Close to 30 MPs had reported to federal parliament their constituents’ views on gay marriage as Crikey hit deadline, as they agreed to do under a Greens motion last November.
PHOTO GALLERY 
“I now pronounce you married”: New York’s gay wedding bonanza
Hundreds of gay couples flocked to registry offices in New York on the first weekend that same-sex marraige was legaliesd. Check out this charming gallery of happy couples and families celebrating the constant stream of nuptials.
The one issue it’s fine for politicians to flip flop on
The state of New York passed gay marriage over the weekend and it was largely thanks to Republican politicians who previously refused to support it. It’s great to see politicians ignore partisan ties and stand up for something they believe in, writes Margaret Talbot
Bob Brown to The SMH and Sheehan: R is for Right of Reply
Paul Sheehan is not the only cranky commentator raging against the party, 40 years later, for not confining itself to environmental issues, writes Greens Party leader senator Bob Brown.
Essential: Broadband support strengthens, Labor wedged on gays
Australians think the NBN is important and will benefit the economy, businesses, themselves and their kids, the latest Essential Report reveals. And on gay marriage, Labor finds itself caught between the two sides.
gay marriage Our same-sex marriage story: still think it’s immoral?
Crikey reader John offers up his very personal story of a gay “marriage”, including all of the “in sickness and in health” and “for better, or worse” vows. It might not have the legal recognition, but the essence remains the same.
Former Bush Campaign Chief comes out of the closet
Ken Mehlman, who managed George W. Bush’s Presidential campaign in 2004, this week announced to friends and family that he is gay. Mehlman claims he privately opposed Republican attacks on same sex marriage.
How Obama’s stance on gay marriage has shifted
Obama’s officially endorses civil unions rather than marriage for same sex couples. But this timeline compiling his statements on the subject over the years suggest the President’s views have noticeably shifted.
Is Gillard homophobic or just whistling?
What reasons does Gillard have for being anti same-sex marriage? It isn’t because of links to the church, beliefs about procreation or because she opposes different types of relationships. Is she homophobic or just playing poltiics, asks W.H. Chong.
Jack Marx: Rudd should play the “gay marriage” card
Kevin Rudd’s poker face is slipping along with his approval ratings, but he still has one ace up his sleeve, says Jack Marx: legalise same sex marriage. It would then be up to his opponents to defend the indefensible.
Gay marriage: an issue of both the legal and the spiritual
If there is a God, surely she wouldn’t have intended for Australia to let gay and lesbian people and their families to feel so ostracised from the church, writes Steve Dow.
Political snippets: Gay or straight, all families enjoy a day at the park
Happy families on both sides of the same-sex-marriage debate enjoy the great outdoors, Obama is more popular overseas than he is at home, and why Wayne Swan is furiously rubbing his lamp (get your mind out of the gutter!).
Gay marriage: ALP conference buzz topic
Gay marriage is turning out to be the hot topic of the ALP national conference with much debate occurring behind the scenes, even if PM Kevin Rudd has publicly quelled the idea.
Aussie gay couples Googling their rights
The legal rights of Australian gay couples are a confusing and messy affair, with information hard to find and too much time spent Googling their legal standing, says Davina Storer who recently got legally married in Canada.
