The Federal Labor party of Australia has voted to support gay marriage

[malaise]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-03/same-sex-marriage-supporters-hail-bittersweet-victory/3711044
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Gay marriage supporters hail bittersweet victory

Thousands of people have rallied across Sydney in celebration of today's decision by the ALP to change the party platform on same sex marriage.

The Federal Labor Party now has a policy supporting gay marriage, but delegates at the conference opted to give MPs a conscience vote on the issue when a bill is expected to be introduced into Parliament next year.

The conscience vote has pleased those against same-sex marriage while frustrating their opponents, as it likely means not enough MPs would support a bill.

Nonetheless, gay activists say today's decision to change the Labor Party platform is the first real step towards legalising gay marriage.