Australian politicians will ask voters whether gay marriage should be legalised after the Green Party won a motion on the issue. A recent poll commissioned by gay groups found 62 per cent of respondents in favour of the change.

The Australian Senate today rejected a bill to give equal marriage rights to gay citizens. The bill was introduced by the Greens but was defeated 45-5, just days before the world's biggest gay celebration, Sydney Mardi Gras.

The Australian Senate today rejected a bill to give equal marriage rights to gay citizens. The bill was introduced by the Greens but was defeated 45-5, just days before the world's biggest gay celebration, Sydney Mardi Gras.