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Equal marriage rallies were held on November 23 in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
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About 500 people braved wet weather to march forÌý marriage equality in Melbourne. Speakers includedÌý United Firefighters national secretary Peter Marshall. He said:Ìý "How does a government have the right to say that your love isÌý not equal? This leads to less workplace rights than heterosexuals.Ìý Unions do not like discrimination. You are supported, you will win this."

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United Firefighters national secretary Peter Marshall: "You will win this". Photo: Ali Bakhtiarvandi.

Greens Senator Sarah Hansen-Young said: "It's time Australia caughtÌý up with the rest of the world. We need to give as much solidarityÌý to people in the ACT as possible. State parliaments also need to move forward, so we need marriage equality in Victoria."

In Sydney, up to 300 people rallied. It was hampered by heavy rain, but spirits remained high.

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Equal marriage placard that reads "It's time". Photo: Ali Bakhtiarvandi.

The rally was addressed by comedian Hannah Gadsby, trans activist April Ladcombe, NSW independent MLC Alex Greenwich, NSW Greens MLC Mehreen Faruqi and Community Action Against Homophobia co-conveners Karl Hand, Cat Rose and Evan Van Zijl. Right-wing Christians protested opposite the rally, threatening hellfire and damnation to equal marriage supporters.

Two weeks ago a bill for same-sex marriage defeated by only two votes in NSW Parliament's upper house.

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Equal marriage sign that says "The Frenchies are with you". Equal marriage placard that reads "It's time". Photo: Ali Bakhtiarvandi.

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Equal marriage rights rally in Melbourne. Equal marriage placard that reads "It's time". Photo: Ali Bakhtiarvandi.