Australia's Senate has rejected a bill which would have given equal marriage rights to same-sex couples. Introduced by the Greens, the bill was soundly defeated 45-5. Over one third of the senators did not turn up to vote, many because they disagreed with their parties' stance on the gay marriage issue, reports The Age newspaper. Marriage equality campaigners claim that 60% of Australia's citizens support the right of same-sex couples to marry. The Greens promise to reintroduce the bill after Australia's next general election next year.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Friday, 26th February 2010 - 9:57am