Same-sex marriage

Pacific Anglican church says no to same-sex marriage

Church leaders have been meeting in New Zealand for their biennial synod where various motions were debated.

A majority group of members supported a motion to allow bishops to authorise blessings of same-sex relationships.

However, Anglican churches in the Pacific opted out of the debate by passing a resolution that they would not vote on the issue.

The Diocese of Polynesia released a statement saying the "constitutions and cultures" of its nations were reflected in its position on the issue.

Australia same-sex marriage: Results expected imminently

Opinion polls throughout the vote have put the Yes campaign ahead, which supports a change in the law.

About three quarters of the electorate - more than 12.6 million people - took part in the eight week-postal survey.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull supports marriage equality but faces conservative opposition within his governing coalition.

He has pledged that if there is a Yes vote in the non-binding poll, he will take steps to change marriage laws.

Cheika defends Folau's right to voice views

Folau sparked a Twitter backlash by revealing he will not support gay marriage, becoming the first high-profile sportsperson to have publicly announced their opposition.

It came after numerous sporting organisations -- including the Australian Rugby Union -- declared their support for a 'yes' vote in the government's postal survey.

Folau's views are also at odds with outspoken former Test skipper David Pocock while current captain Michael Hooper has also voiced his support for gay marriage this week.

Australia begins same-sex marriage vote

The survey does not have the power to change the law but could lead to a vote in parliament.

Australian political leaders, including Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, have said they support the Yes campaign.

People will have until 7 November to cast their vote by mail and results of the voluntary poll are expected on 15 November.

On Sunday ahead of the ballots being mailed out, thousands of Australians rallied in support of the campaign and dressed in rainbow colours.

The No campaign said it remained confident it had strong support.

Australia PM backs gay marriage campaign

More than 20,000 people gathered in Sydney to campaign ahead of a non-binding postal vote on changing Australia's marriage act.

Mr Turnbull made a surprise appearance and speech at the launch of the New South Wales Yes campaign.

Opposition leader Bill Shorten then addressed the crowd at the main rally.

The non-binding vote to gauge support for changing Australia's Marriage Act will be sent out from 12 September, with a result expected in November.

Australia same-sex marriage survey to go ahead

The Federal Government has welcomed the High Court ruling, saying the survey would continue as planned and the final result would be declared by the chief statistician at 11.30am on 15 November.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull urged all eligible Australians to vote in the survey.

"This is a great example where every Australian can have a say and we can, as a Commonwealth of Australia, embrace this important social change, consider it and make a decision," Mr Turnbull told Parliament after the decision was handed down.

Taiwan is closer to being 1st Asian country to allow same-sex marriage

The country's Constitutional Court ruled Wednesday that current laws, which say that marriage is between a man and a woman, violate the Constitution.

The panel of judges has given the island's parliament, known as the Legislative Yuan, two years to amend or enact new laws, which could potentially make Taiwan the first place in Asia to allow same-sex marriage.

Gay former student of Pope Francis speaks out

The clerk gained attention for refusing to issue same-sex couples marriage licenses.

The pope's meeting with Washington resident Yayo Grassi, his boyfriend and a few others came to light Friday as the Vatican was distancing itself from claims the pope's meeting with the clerk, Kim Davis, was an endorsement of her stance on same-sex marriage.

With clerk jailed, gay Kentucky couples get marriage license

 

The clerk was jained for her refusal to issue the licenses because she opposed same-sex marriage.

William Smith Jr. and James Yates, a couple for nearly a decade, were the first to receive a marriage license in Rowan County. Deputy clerk Brian Mason issued the license, congratulating the couple and shaking their hands as he smiled. After they paid the license fee of $35.50, Yates rushed across the steps of the courthouse to hug his mom as both cried.

Tony Abbott rules out same-sex marriage vote on election day

After a special Coalition party-room meeting on Tuesday rejected proposals to give members a free vote on the issue, the prime minister pledged to take it to the people, through a plebiscite or referendum.

On Sunday, he ruled out holding a public poll at the same time as the federal election.