| People participate in a march for marriage equality of same-sex couples in Sydney |
More than 20,000 people rallied in Sydney on Sunday urging the legalization of same-sex marriage, days ahead of a contentious postal survey on the issue that has divided the country.
Organizers said the gathering was Australia‘s largest gay rights demonstration, as a diverse range of people clad in rainbow colours converged on the heart of the city to insist on equal rights.
“We’re blown away by the response,” Cat Rose from Community Action Against Homophobia said.
“The force we’ve shown today puts us in a good stead to win this battle over the next couple of months.”
Though the postal ballot is non-binding, a “yes” vote is expected to lead to the legalization of same-sex marriage which could further fracture the government of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Ballots will be mailed out from Sept. 12, with a result expected some time in November.
The country’s Opposition Leader, Bill Shorten, said it was the law that had to change, not the gay community.
The Sydney event followed a similar rally in Melbourne last month which organisers said was attended by 15,000 people. Police declined to comment on the numbers at both rallies.
Australia is one of the only developed English-speaking countries not to have legalised same-sex marriage, despite strong popular support and the backing of a majority of lawmakers.