Most Australians have no objection to equal marriage. They recognise that same-sex relationships should have the same legal and social recognition as opposite-sex relationships and this means the right to marry. In fact, according to a Galaxy poll earlier this year, three in five Australians support the right of same-sex couples to marry, with 60 per cent arguing that Australian law should recognise same-sex marriages that are legal in other countries.

Unfortunately, our Parliament is lagging behind and our Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is still clinging to the stale mantra of his predecessor, that marriage "is between a man and a woman."

This 1950s thinking seems to be based on the tired argument that marriage is somehow weakened if it's extended to same-sex partnerships. But surely the institution of marriage is strengthened by greater inclusion, not exclusion? Certainly that's the experience overseas, where same-sex marriage has been legislated for without the sky falling in.

Many other Western countries, such as Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Spain, South Africa, and many states in the United States already recognise same-sex marriage. The Greens are working hard to ensure that Australia stops swimming against the global tide.

While the Greens recognise that not all same-sex couples want to marry (just like not all opposite-sex couples want to) we believe that choice should be made by the couple, not the Government. No one should have the right to tell you who to fall in love with. No one should have the right to tell you who you can marry.

Earlier this year I introduced my Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009 into the Senate to remove all discrimination from the Marriage Act on the basis of sexuality and gender identity, and to permit marriage regardless of sex, sexuality and gender identity. The bill has been referred to committee and it is clear from the volume of submissions received, that this is an issue that the community cares strongly about.

Many couples have contacted my office, frustrated that their quest to marry and have their love formally recognised by the state is being thwarted by a backward thinking Government. It is appalling that in a democracy like Australia, we continue to allow this discrimination against our citizens.

The Greens will continue to promote equal marriage in the Parliament. This is not a gay issue, it's a human rights issue and the legitimacy of the institution of marriage is undermined for as long as loving same-sex couples are denied participation. It's time for Kevin07 to recognise this isn't the Australia of 1957. Even former US President Bill Clinton has shown the maturity to rethink his position. It's time for Kevin Rudd to follow his friend's lead and do the same.

Sarah Hanson-Young is the Australian Greens Senator for South Australia and Greens Spokesperson for Sexuality and Gender Identity.

This article was originally published in Blaze, MCV and S-X. Click below for the links to the articles.

BLAZE:  http://blaze.e-p.net.au/opinion/full-marriage-for-gay-couples-3216.html

MCV: http://mcv.e-p.net.au/features/full-marriage-for-gay-couples-6303.html

S-X: http://sxnews.e-p.net.au/feature/the-future-is-now-6271.html