Australian Marriage Equality

The co-founders and first national co-conveners of AME were Luke Gahan and Geraldine Donoghue.{{cite web |url=http://www.coalitionforequality.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=270&Itemid=2 |title=Gay Couple Married in Canada blast Australian Government |date=28 December 2005 |publisher=365gay.com |access-date=23 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110416051208/http://www.coalitionforequality.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=270&Itemid=2 |archive-date=16 April 2011 |url-status=dead }} Luke, grandson of the former Mayor of Prahran George Gahan, had been a member of the Australian Labor Party and Treasurer of the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby.{{cite web|url=http://glrl.org.au/index.php/Resources/Media-Releases/New-committee-to-continue-the-fight-for-gay-and-lesbian-rights-27-August-2002 |title=New Committee to Continue the fight for gay and lesbian rights |date=27 August 2002 |publisher=Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320175620/http://glrl.org.au/index.php/Resources/Media-Releases/New-committee-to-continue-the-fight-for-gay-and-lesbian-rights-27-August-2002 |archive-date=20 March 2012}} In a 2011 book called Speak Now,[http://www.cloudsofmagellan.net/Speak_Now.html Speak Now] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525182001/http://www.cloudsofmagellan.net/Speak_Now.html |date=25 May 2015 }} Gahan spoke openly about being the youngest 'gay married' Australian, and subsequently Australia's first 'gay divorcee'.{{citation |title='The Ins and Outs of Marriage and Divorce |author=Gahan, Luke|year=2011 |work=Speak Now, Edited by Victor Marsh |publisher=Clouds of Magellan}}

The second national Convener of AME was Peter Furness. Furness was a former South Sydney Councillor for the Australian Democrats.{{cite web |url=http://www.democrats.org.au/news/index.htm?press_id=664&display=1/ |title=Democrat Win GST Scare Campaign Fails |date=2 July 2000 |publisher =Australian Democrats |access-date=18 July 2012}}

The third national Convener of AME was Dr Sharon Dane, who is a social psychology researcher at the School of Psychology at the University of Queensland.{{cite web |url=http://www.psy.uq.edu.au/directory/index.html?id=797#show_Activities |title=Staff Profile Sharon Dane |publisher =School of Psychology, The University of Queensland}} Dane was the lead author of "Not So Private Lives",{{cite thesis|url=http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:205948|title=Not so private lives: National findings on the relationships and well-being of same-sex attracted Australians(version 1.1).|first1=Dane, Sharon|last1=K.|first2=Masser, Barbara|last2=M.|first3=MacDonald|last3=Geoff|first4=Duck, Julie|last4=M.|date=1 April 2010}} the first national study to examine same-sex Australians' preferences for relationship recognition, since the introduction of de facto status for same-sex couples at a federal level. She presented findings from this research at the hearing of the Senate Inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/legcon_ctte/marriage_equality/report/report.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=4 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408194724/http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/legcon_ctte/marriage_equality/report/report.pdf |archive-date=8 April 2011}}. Dane married her partner Elaine Crump in Toronto, Canada on 23 July 2008.

The fourth national Convenor, from 2009, was Alex Greenwich, who had been AME National Secretary since 2007. Greenwich is the son of Mr Victor Greenwich, Head of the Georgian Consular General in Sydney.{{cite web|url=http://www.embassypages.com/missions/embassy17011/|title=Consulate of Ireland in St. Petersburg, Russia|website=www.embassypages.com}} In 2012 Greenwich married his German partner Victor Hoeld in Argentina.{{cite web|url=http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/news/northern-territory/6384-greenwich-celebrates-historic-nuptials-in-argentina.html |title=GREENWICH CELEBRATES HISTORIC NUPTIALS IN ARGENTINA |author=Serkan Ozturk |date=15 May 2012 |work=Gay News Network |access-date=23 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530054054/http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/news/northern-territory/6384-greenwich-celebrates-historic-nuptials-in-argentina.html |archive-date=30 May 2012}} Greenwich was an unsuccessful candidate for the 2012 City of Sydney Council election.{{cite web |url=http://wentworth-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/eyes-turn-to-city-of-sydney-state-seat/ |title=Alex Greenwich to decide on state seat in coming weeks |date=11 September 2012 |work=Wentworth Courier |access-date=21 September 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://wentworth-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/clover-moore-finalises-line-up-for-council-elections/ |title=Clover Moore finalises line-up for council elections |date=18 July 2012 |work=Wentworth Courier |access-date=18 July 2012}} Following his loss at the City of Sydney elections, Greenwich was endorsed by the outgoing New South Wales state member of Parliament Clover Moore MLA to run for the seat of Sydney in a by-election in 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/sydney-mayor-slams-media-get-clover-laws/story-e6frf7kf-1226478142607 |title=Moore backs marriage-equality advocate |date=20 September 2012 |work=Herald-Sun|access-date=21 September 2012}}

After this, he stood down as national convenor to focus on his campaign, ultimately winning his seat in October 2012. In doing so, he became the first same-sex married man in an Australian Parliament.{{cite web |url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/australia-news/new-south-wales-news/2012/10/29/greenwich-responds-to-party-boy-sledge/87867 |title=Greenwich responds to gay party boy sledge |date=29 October 2012 |work=Sydney Star Observer |access-date=3 November 2012}} He continued to play an ongoing role in the organisation since his election, serving as co-chair and a member of the Board after Australian Marriage Equality adopted a more formalised governance model in 2015.

After Greenwich's election to New South Wales Parliament, Rodney Croome from Tasmania served as the fifth national AME Convenor{{cite web |url=http://www.thestirrer.com.au/whither-marriage-equality/ |title=What Now for Marriage Equality? |date=14 October 2012 |work=The Stirrer |access-date=15 October 2012 |archive-date=29 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529103822/http://www.thestirrer.com.au/whither-marriage-equality/ |url-status=dead }} and, from 2015, also as a Director on the Board. The formal Board that was introduced in April 2015 saw Janine Middleton, who had spent two decades overseas working in the finance industry, join Alex Greenwich as co-chair. Other Board members appointed at this time included Jay Allen, who had served as Secretary of the organisation since 2012, Sarah Midgley, NSW Co-Convenor since 2012 and Tim Peppard who had been a Victorian Director since 2013. Shirleene Robinson, NSW Co-Convenor since 2012, later joined the Board{{cite web |url=https://www.australianmarriageequality.org/theboardandtheteam/ |title=The Board and The Team |access-date=13 October 2016}}

In August 2015, Croome stepped down from his role as National Director of AME, announcing he wished to focus exclusively on an anti-plebiscite campaign.{{cite news|url= https://www.crikey.com.au/2016/08/02/australian-marriage-equalitys-quiet-plebiscite-preparation/ |title=Snowed under: Australian Marriage Equality offshoot focuses on plebiscite |author=Taylor, Josh|date=2 August 2016|work=Crikey|access-date=2 April 2017}}

{{see also|Recognition of same-sex unions in Australia|Same-sex marriage in the Australian Capital Territory}}

The first national co-convenors Luke Gahan and Geraldine Donoghue launched Australia's campaign for marriage equality in May 2005,{{cite web |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Campaign-launched-for-gay-marriagess/2005/05/01/1114886242426.html |title=Campaign Launched for Gay Marriage |date=1 May 2005 |work=The Age Newspaper |access-date=23 July 2012}} 9 months after the Federal Liberal/National Party Coalition Government banned same-sex marriage.{{cite web |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/08/13/1092340471989.html |title=Democrat pleads for rethink on gay marriage ban |date=14 August 2004 |work=The Age Newspaper |access-date=23 July 2012}}

AME began newspaper and television advertisements in 2009 to call for same-sex marriage. The organisation was also invited to speak at a hearing into the Senate Inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009.

In December 2011 AME campaigners met with Sydney's Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell to discuss the Australian Catholic Church's campaign against same-sex marriage.{{Cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/gays-vow-respect-in-marriage-debate/story-e6frg6nf-1225997089933 |work=The Australian |title=Gays vow respect in marriage debate |first=Patricia |last=Karvelas |date=31 January 2011}} The group has also met with members of parliament from both major parties to stress the importance of marriage to families and to gay and lesbian youth.{{Cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/bishop-breaks-ranks-on-same-sex-marriage/story-fn59niix-1226003262760 |title=Bishop breaks ranks on same-sex marriage |date=10 February 2011 |first=Patricia |last=Karvelas |work=The Australian}}

AME members protested Prime Minister Julia Gillard's address to the Sydney Institute at a dinner in Luna Park in April 2011, with protesters holding photographs of same-sex couples who could not marry.{{Cite news |url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/australia-news/new-south-wales-news/2011/04/14/marriage-protesters-confront-gillard/49511 |work=Sydney Star Observer |title=Marriage protesters confront Gillard |date=14 April 2011}} Later that year, they launched a series of touring workshops called "Local Voices," which aim to cultivate grassroots activism for same-sex marriage.{{Cite news|url=http://blaze.gaynewsnetwork.com.au/news/ame-marriage-campaign-workshops-go-national-004492.html |work=Blaze |title=AME marriage campaign workshops go national |date=23 May 2011 |first=Alex |last=Dunkin |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606103213/http://blaze.gaynewsnetwork.com.au/news/ame-marriage-campaign-workshops-go-national-004492.html |archive-date=6 June 2011}}

Speaking on behalf of AME, Rodney Croome has repeatedly criticised Senator Cory Bernardi's remarks linking same-sex marriage to polygamy and bestiality. In June 2013 Croome said "Not one country that has allowed same-sex marriage has moved to legitimise polygamy or bestiality for the simple reason they're not linked, legally, socially or culturally".{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/bernardi-i-was-right-on-gay-marriage-and-polygamy-20130618-2offe.html/|date=18 June 2013|title=Bernardi: I was right on gay marriage and polygamy|author=Jonathan Swan|work=Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=3 June 2014}}

In August 2013, AME announced that they would distribute leaflets to "over half a million Australian voters" with information about their local candidate's stance on marriage equality.{{cite web|url=http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/news/vote4love-gives-you-the-lowdown-on-all-the-candidates-11706.html |title=VOTE4LOVE GIVES YOU THE LOWDOWN ON ALL THE CANDIDATES |author=Cec Busby |date=16 August 2013 |publisher=Gay News Network |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527213756/http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/news/vote4love-gives-you-the-lowdown-on-all-the-candidates-11706.html |archive-date=27 May 2014}} Rodney Croome highlighted a poll released by the Australia Institute finding that same-sex marriage was the fourth most important issue to 18- to 25-year-old voters.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/young-voters-rate-jobs-housing-uni-funding-as-main-issues-20130806-2rdba.html|title=Young voters rate jobs, housing, uni funding as main issues|author=Clay Lucas|date=6 August 2013|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media}} A Fairfax Nielsen Poll later that month found that 65% of Australians supported marriage equality, while only 16% said the issue was "very important" in deciding their vote.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/gay-marriage-support-up-but-it-wont-change-poll-20130824-2si1q.html|title=Gay marriage support up but it won't change poll|date=24 August 2013|author=Chris Johnson|work=Sydney Morning Herald}}{{cite web |url=http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/BriefingBook44p/Marriage|title=Same-sex marriage|author=Neilsen, Mary Anne|work=Australian Parliament House|access-date=10 May 2014}} Croome commented that there is a "huge gap" between public acceptance of same-sex relationships and the low level of support for same-sex marriage among politicians.{{cite web|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/international-news-news/australia-in-top-10-of-most-pro-gay-countries/121921|title=AUSTRALIA IN TOP 10 OF MOST PRO-GAY COUNTRIES|author=BENEDICT BROOK|date=23 April 2014|work=Star Observer}}

Same-sex marriage was introduced for the first time in Australia in the Australian Capital Territory in December 2013, but the Marriage Equality (Same Sex) Act 2013 was subsequently voided by a legal challenge to the High Court.[http://www.lexisnexis.com.au/aus/services/high_court/201315603.pdf/ The Commonwealth v Australian Capital Territory [2013] HCA 55] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402114951/http://www.lexisnexis.com.au/aus/services/high_court/201315603.pdf/ |date=2 April 2015 }} However AME said the ruling was just "a temporary defeat".{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/high-court-strikes-down-act-gay-marriage-law/story-fn59niix-1226781474406|title=High Court strikes down ACT gay marriage law|author=Wilson, Lauren|date=12 December 2013|newspaper=The Australian |access-date=12 May 2014}} Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd proposed that same-sex marriage go to a referendum in June 2013, but the offer was rejected by AME and the Greens.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-28/kevin-rudd-gay-marriage-referendum-dismissed-by-advocates/4788796|title=Kevin Rudd's gay marriage referendum offer dismissed by advocates'|first=Ashley|last=Hall|date=28 June 2013|work=ABC|access-date=12 May 2014}}

In 2013, Rodney Croome criticised the tactics of the Australian marriage-equality lobby-group Equal Love as "counterproductive and unrepresentative" to the movement, which he claimed drive away the elderly and people of faith, echoing other criticism of the group in the Star Observer.{{cite news |url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/local-news/queensland-news/equal-love-banner-attracts-unwanted-attention/113824|title=Equal love banner attracts unwanted attention |date=6 December 2013 |first=David|last=Alexander|work=Star Observer|access-date=18 May 2014}}{{cite news |url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/opinion/soapbox-opinion/fewer-rallies-more-community-engagement-for-marriage-fairness/1137884|title=Fewer rallies, more community engagement for marriage fairness|date=3 December 2013 |first=Rodney|last=Croome|work=Star Observer|access-date=29 May 2014}} A committee member for Equal Love argued Croome launched an "unsubtle attack" and defended their tactics, stating "a visual display of community outrage over the issue emboldens those who want change"{{cite news |url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/opinion/soapbox-opinion/we-are-not-your-enemy-keep-rallying-for-marriage-equality/114300|title=We are not your enemy keep rallying for marriage equality! |date=16 December 2013 |first=Nicholas|last=McAtamney|work=Star Observer|access-date=29 May 2014}}

In late 2013, following an exchange between AME and Tony Briffa, vice president of the Organisation Intersex International Australia, regarding the terminology same-sex marriage,{{cite news|url=http://www.outinperth.com/briffa-calls-for-australian-marriage-equality-to-change-its-name/|title=Briffa Calls for Australian Marriage Equality to Change {{sic|I|t's|nolink=y}} Name| date=20 October 2013|work=Out in Perth|access-date=23 May 2014}}{{cite news|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/local-news/new-south-wales-news/act-marriage-bill-excludes-intersex-people/111349|title=ACT marriage bill "excludes" intersex people'|first=Serkan|last=Ozturk|date=21 October 2013|work=Star Observer|access-date=23 May 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://hrlc.org.au/acts-marriage-equality-laws-remain-vulnerable-say-legal-experts/|title=ACT's Marriage Equality laws remain vulnerable say legal experts, Human Rights Law Centre|date=22 October 2013|work=Australian Human Rights Law Centre|access-date=23 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523230019/http://hrlc.org.au/acts-marriage-equality-laws-remain-vulnerable-say-legal-experts/|archive-date=23 May 2014|url-status=dead}} the issue was resolved{{cite news|url=http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/news/advocates-work-together-to-ensure-inclusive-marriage-equality-bill-13875.html|title=Advocates work together to ensure inclusive marriage equality bill|first=Cec|last=Busby|date=21 May 2014|work=Gay News Network|access-date=23 May 2014}} such that any proposed legislation should not use the phrase 'same-sex marriage'.{{cite news|url= http://www.australianmarriageequality.org/2017/02/28/lgbti-joint-statement-welcoming-the-senate-inquiry-report-on-the-draft-marriage-act-amendment/ |title=LGBTI joint statement welcoming the senate inquiry report on the draft marriage act amendment |author=McGilvray, Clint|date=28 February 2017|work=Australian Marriage Equality|access-date=3 April 2017}}

Australian Marriage Equality has campaigned with Community Action Against Homophobia (CAAH).{{cite news|url=http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/news/organisers-take-criticism-onboard-after-rally-attracts-low-turnout-9857.html |title=Organisers take criticism onboard after rally attracts low turnout |date=3 December 2012 |work=Gay New Network |access-date=2 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003042959/http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/news/organisers-take-criticism-onboard-after-rally-attracts-low-turnout-9857.html |archive-date=3 October 2015}} In September 2013 Rodney Croome wrote to CAAH expressing his concerns in regards to what he perceived to be more radical campaigning methods used by CAAH saying, "It is a double standard to demand respect for same-sex relationships without showing the same respect in return".{{cite news|url=http://www.samesame.com.au/features/10228/Letter-to-protesters-Withdraw-this-hateful-poster-now |title=Letter to protesters: Withdraw this hateful poster now |date=15 September 2013 |access-date=2 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003062218/http://www.samesame.com.au/features/10228/Letter-to-protesters-Withdraw-this-hateful-poster-now |archive-date=3 October 2015 }}

With the introduction of same-sex marriage in the United Kingdom, same-sex couples, where one or both of the partners are British nationals, were able to marry at British consulates in Australia from June 2014 (for which AME congratulated the government); however, their marriages were not legally recognised in Australia.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/samesex-couples-can-marry-in-uk-consulates-from-june-20140328-35oew.html|title=Same-sex couples can marry in UK consulates from June|date=28 March 2014|author=Dan Harrison|work=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=16 May 2014}}

In March 2015 an ad denouncing same-sex families was broadcast on national TV, during the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, causing backlash amongst the community on social media.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/backlash-after-antimarriage-equality-ad-debuts-on-mardi-gras-night-20150308-13y8yi.html|title=Backlash after anti-marriage equality ad debuts on Mardi Gras night|first1=Michaela|last1=Whitbourn|first2=Su-Lin|last2=Tan|date=8 March 2015|via=The Sydney Morning Herald}}

Throughout 2015–2016, AME spoke out against the potential plebiscite on marriage equality that had been mooted by then Prime Minister Tony Abbott and continued by his replacement as prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull. AME noted there was no constitutional need for a public vote in Australia and that marriage equality should be introduced through a free vote in Australian Parliament. Furthermore, AME argued that an expensive and divisive plebiscite had the potential to cause undue stress to LGBTIQ people. In conjunction with GetUp, AME collected more than 55,000 signatures on a petition opposing a plebiscite and presented this petition at Parliament.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/jun/24/free-vote-on-marriage-equality-would-allow-mps-to-ignore-plebiscite-result |work=The Guardian |title=Malcolm Turnbull confirms Coalition MPs get free vote on marriage equality |date=24 June 2016 |first=Paul |last=Karp}}

On Valentine's Day 2011, AME, partnered with GetUp! to run the Marriage Matters advertising campaign, emphasising the importance of marriage to gay and lesbian couples.{{Cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/lifematters/ad-puts-a-face-to-gay-marriage-issue-20110205-1ahn4.html |work=Sydney Morning Herald |title=Ad puts a face to gay marriage issue |first=Sheenal |last=Singh |date=6 February 2011}} Another commercial released around the same time featured twin brothers Paul and David Battye; Paul was best man at his brother's wedding, but cannot himself get married.{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailyexaminer.com.au/story/2011/02/14/sydney-goes-gaga-for-gay-marriage/ |work=Daily Examiner |date=14 February 2011 |title=Gay marriage draws Gaga gatecrash |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726024814/http://www.dailyexaminer.com.au/story/2011/02/14/sydney-goes-gaga-for-gay-marriage/ |archive-date=26 July 2011}}

When Prince William of Wales and Catherine Middleton married in 2011, AME, with the help of GetUp!, sponsored public outdoor screenings of the event in order to call attention to the fact that gay and lesbian people in Australia cannot marry their partners. "On this happy day when Australians celebrate the royal wedding, many Australians share the aspiration to one day marry their own 'prince' or princess', including many gay and lesbian Australians," commented a spokesperson for the organisation.{{Cite news |url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/australia-news/new-south-wales-news/2011/04/21/royals-put-focus-on-marriage-rights/50147 |title=Royals put focus on marriage rights |work=Sydney Star Observer |date=21 April 2011}}

{{see also|Recognition of same-sex unions in Australia#Public opinion polls}}

AME commissioned a Galaxy Poll in 2010 which found that 62 per cent of Australians supported same-sex marriage, and 80 per cent of young people (18–24 years) supported marriage equality.[https://web.archive.org/web/20110223014629/http://www.australianmarriageequality.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Full-Galaxy-Poll-Results-2010.pdf "Same-sex marriage study"]. Galaxy Research. Retrieved 1 May 2011. In 2011 they commissioned a second Poll which found 75% of Australians thought legalising same-sex marriage in Australia is inevitable.{{cite web |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/most-australians-believe-gay-marriage-will-happen-galaxy-poll/story-e6freuzr-1226071774037 |title=Most Australians believe gay marriage will happen - Galaxy poll |date=8 June 2011 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=8 June 2011}}

In March 2011, AME released a paper which found that Australia's same-sex marriage ban hurt its economy. According to the paper, married partners are less likely to seek government aid, state and territorial governments gain money by issuing marriage licenses, wedding expenditures would stimulate the economy, and tourism would also benefit.{{Cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/same-sex-marriage-ban-hurts-economy/story-fn59niix-1226025059327 |work=The Australian |title=Same-sex marriage ban hurts economy |first=Patricia |last=Karvelas |date=21 March 2011}}

A July 2014 poll, commissioned by Australian Marriage Equality and conducted by Lynton Crosby and Mark Textor, found that 72% of Australians supported legalising same-sex marriage, while 21% were opposed. A majority of those identifying with major religions supported same-sex marriage, including Catholics, Anglicans and non-Christian religions as did a majority of older Australians aged over 55. Textor stated, "This poll definitively puts pay to some of the myths that married couples or those with religious beliefs are against same-sex marriage. It doesn't devalue their marriages or faith, and instead gives everyone equal access to the rights they are accorded". Further, 77% of respondents agreed that Coalition MPs and Senators should be granted a conscience vote on the issue.{{cite web|url=http://www.crosbytextor.com/news/record-support-for-same-sex-marriage/ |title=New poll shows record 72% support for marriage equality |date=15 July 2014 |author=Mark Textor |publisher=Crosby Textor Group |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114043401/http://www.crosbytextor.com/news/record-support-for-same-sex-marriage/ |archive-date=14 January 2015 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/poll-shows-growing-support-for-samesex-marriage-20140714-3bxaj.html|title=Poll shows growing support for same-sex marriage|author=Lisa Cox|date=15 July 2014|access-date=15 July 2014|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media}}

In the aftermath of the changes to Australian marriage law, Australian Marriage Equality has shared learnings from the campaign with other countries such as Taiwan in their quest for marriage equality.

In July 2020, Australian Marriage Equality announced it was officially winding down as an organisation.{{Cite news |url=

https://www.starobserver.com.au/opinion/thank-you-goodbye-to-australian-marriage-equality-ame/196635

|title=Thank you and goodbye Australian Marriage Equality |work=Star Observer |date=8 July 2020}} The group's social media pages have remained active to promote leading LGBTIQ community organisations, to draw attention to issues and legislation impacting LGBTIQ people.

{{Portal|Australia|LGBTQ}}

• Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey
• Coalition of Activist Lesbians Australia (COAL)
• Community Action Against Homophobia (CAAH)
• Equal Love
• LGBT rights in Australia
• List of LGBT rights organisations
• Organisation Intersex International Australia

{{clear}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{official website|http://www.australianmarriageequality.org}}
• A collection of Australian Marriage Equality material is held by the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives

{{LGBT in Australia}}

{{LGBTQ}}

Category:2004 establishments in Australia

Category:LGBTQ political advocacy groups in Australia

Category:Organizations established in 2004

Category:Same-sex marriage in Australia