Australia can be proud at how far anti-gay discrimination has been broken down, but the journey is not yet complete, the first openly-gay member of the House of Representatives says.
Trent Zimmerman used his first speech on Wednesday to deliver an emotional plea to regard sexuality as "innate as the colour of your skin".
Mr Zimmerman, who replaced former treasurer Joe Hockey in the safe Liberal seat of North Sydney, said some had told him this wasn't the time to reflect on the issue and surely a person's sexuality was irrelevant in this day and age.
He said Australia could be proud of how far it had progressed in breaking down centuries of discrimination against gay and lesbian people.
This weekend's Mardi Gras in Sydney was emblematic of the changes that have occurred.
But too many people were still prepared to "peddle prejudice".
The law still denied access to marriage, society's ultimate expression of love and commitment. Young gay men and women were more likely to suffer depression, be bullied at school and try to take their own life.
Coming out remained hard for many people "and believe me, I know what that's like".
"We will not have reached the end of the journey until no person feels compelled to live a life that is not their own."
In a wide-ranging speech Mr Zimmerman pressed the case for more federal government involvement in inner city infrastructure and, unlike many Liberals, emphasised the value of public transport.
He pressed for four-year federal parliamentary terms, saying Australia now had two years of government and one year of political posturing in each cycle.
And, after glorying in North Sydney's multi-ethnic character, he risked the displeasure of the Turks.
"I hope we will see the day when Turkey, and the international community, recognises the Armenian genocide," Mr Zimmerman said.
Later in an interview, Mr Zimmerman declared he would cross the floor in favour of same-sex marriage.
"If a substantive bill came before the parliament, then yes I would if the party instructed me otherwise," he told ABC radio.
He raised concerns about a plebiscite on gay marriage, as well as its $160 million cost, saying his personal preference would have been for a free vote and for parliament to decide the issue.
"I don't want to be seen as the gay MP," Mr Zimmerman said.
"I do nonetheless see myself as a role model and if my election to the parliament makes it a little bit easier for someone who is struggling then that's a very worthwhile thing."
