Today, Julia Gillard has once more failed to be the people’s PM.

Equal Love had organised to meet Julia Gillard as she arrived at the ALP conference today at 9am with the hope of handing her part of a petition that showed a majority of Australians were in support of marriage equality.

According to an inside political source, the PM rearranged her schedule in the hope to avoid the Equal Love protest. That however didn’t stop the numerous marriage equality supporters who took the protest to the doors of the Conservation of Music, where the ALP conference was taking place.

See Same Same’s photos from the rally here.

After Police prevented the protesters from entering the building, instead forcing them to stand in a roped off area, the protesters decided to make their voices heard, and judging by the numerous news cameras that appeared in a matter of seconds after the protest started, they were definitely heard.

Co-Convenor of Rainbow Labor QLD Sean Leader, heard the protest and came outside to address the group and share his support and encouragement. He later told Same Same that “Rainbow Labor nationally supports full marriage equality – state conferences in Tasmania, Victoria, Northern Territory and South Australia and the National Labor Woman’s conference have also passed motions in support. We aim and hope for Queensland to join that list.”

While Gillard chose to secretly enter the building through the loading area, Equal Love protesters met her there in the hope of once more handing the petition of signatures over to her in person. Instead all the group of protesters received was a wave that one onlooker described as “patronizing and ignorant.”

Jessica Payne of Equal Love wasn’t discouraged in the slightest, shouting “Instead of reading your bible stories Gillard, read the polls. Majority of Australians support marriage equality,” while further adding, “Queensland ALP conference is putting a motion in support of marriage equality, we are to to make noise.’

Two strikes down didn’t hinder Equal Love and their supporters as they took the protest back to the front doors of the conference, chanting ‘What do we want? Gillard! When do we want her? Now!’

While she addressed the conference on the inside, the protesters continued their chants on the outside. Gillard must have thought that sparing less then five minutes to receive a petition of signatures was too much for her busy schedule. One can only wonder how she recently found the time to receive in person a petition of signatures from The Australian Christian Lobby.

SameSamer Tyson who attended the 9am protest, told us: “I don’t think there’s a single gay person who’s life wouldn’t have been better if gay marriage was legal. It’s about being unconditionally valued equal.”

Even though Gillard refused to address the crowd, Jessica Payne thought the day’s protest was a success, saying “We achieved what we set out to do today. We came, we made noise and whether she chose to listen or not, our presence was noticed.”

BRISBANE’S BATTLE

Brisbane Pride is wrapping up for the year, but the battle of marriage equality is far from over.

This is not a time to grow quiet – support what groups like Equal Love and what they are doing for the LGBT community, so be sure to attend the rally for marriage equality at Queen’s Park, Brisbane on the 13th of August.

Also in a couple of weeks the Australian Christian Lobby, the guys behind the Rip & Roll controversy will be holding a conference in Brisbane. Word is, things are being set into motion for the LGBT community to take the protest to them for change.

Be sure to either look up the Equal Love Brisbane Facebook group or alternatively email Jess at equallovebrisbane@gmail.com for information on how to get involved.

Of course here at SameSame.com.au we will continue to update you as more news comes to light.

So in the meantime continue to get your pride on all year long!