High-profile politicians and entertainers have joined thousands of peaceful protesters across Australia to rally in support of same-sex marriage.
Organisers estimate at least 6600 people turned out across simultaneous events in the nation's capital cities on Saturday.
Crowds of more than 4000 crammed outside the state library in Melbourne, waving banners as television personalities and politicians spoke of the need for legislative change.
Greens deputy leader and federal Melbourne MP Adam Bandt, who has tabled a bill in parliament on the issue, received a rock star's ovation when he took the microphone.
Mr Bandt pointed to US President Barack Obama's public declaration this week of support for same-sex marriage as a sign that the world's attitude was slowly shifting.
"If it's good enough for the leader of the free world, it should be good enough for the leaders of the political parties in Australia," Mr Bandt said.
Fellow Greens member Lee Rhiannon addressed demonstrators in Sydney, telling the 1100-strong crowd that same-sex marriage could become a reality in Australia if the Labor caucus committed to vote along party lines.
"We would have the numbers if Labor were obliged to follow their own policy - remember that policy is now same-sex marriage," Senator Rhiannon said, calling the issue a question of human rights.
Protesters waving rainbow flags and placards that read "Smash homophobia" and "Marriage is about love, not gender" participated in a ceremony to "wed" drag queen Paris and partner Danny before the crowd marched on Taylor Square.
Co-convener of advocacy group Equal Love, Jessica Payne, said President Obama's stance on gay marriage and the 600 to 700 people who turned up to support the rally in Brisbane were testament to the support the movement had.
"If one of the world's most powerful people is supporting gay marriage, then it just shows how backwards Julia Gillard and the government is," Ms Payne told the rally to thunderous applause.
Marriage equality supporters in Brisbane also heard from rock group Faker's openly gay lead singer Nathan Hudson.
Hudson told the crowd that while he was not sure he ever wanted to marry, it was important he had a choice.
"I'm a human being and that's all that should matter," he said.
Simultaneous rallies were held in Canberra, Adelaide and Perth to celebrate the Marriage Equality National Day of Action on Saturday.
Police said that apart from one man who had to be asked to move on at the Adelaide event, the rallies were peaceful.
An event in Hobart was called off due to poor weather, an organiser told AAP.
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