Thousands turned out around the country for rallies for same-sex marriage rights over the weekend. Up to 1,500 people attended in Sydney, 2,500 in Melbourne, 200 braved the rain in Adelaide, 200 in Canberra, 100 in Lismore, 150 in Perth and 500 in Brisbane.

Sydney was privileged to hear from many high profile speakers including Senator Sarah-Hanson Young who received roaring applause from the audience as she declared, “Get over it Rudd!”

Community Action Against Homophobia is looking forward to building a strong campaign for Marriage Equality during the National Year of Action.

CAAH co-convener Emilia Lawonski said: “This is the first year-long campaign of its kind in Australia’s history. We need to keep up the pressure on Rudd and his bigoted colleagues if we are to achieve full equality. This year is about taking our future into our own hands. We will put up the strongest fight ever seen for full equal marriage rights. If we don’t, conservative politicians will continue to trample on our basic human rights for as long as we allow it. Rudd wants us to remain as second-class citizens and if we don’t take decisive action now, we will continue to be second-class citizens in our country.”

CAAH co-convener Ben Cooper said “CAAH believes Saturday’s national rallies were a huge success and a fantastic start to the National Year of Action in Australia. Seeing so many people of all walks of life standing together with the same simple demand was truly inspiring and the support of countless people on the street was a great reminder that the Australian public is behind us in our campaign for equality.”