Prime Minister Tony Abbott and his coalition government remain opposed to amending the Marriage Act to include same-sex couples, but their position is being weakened by a number of government MPs publicly expressing support. 

Pressure further intensified last month, with the Greens and Labour introducing bills and seeking debate in parliament, backed by a Liberal Democrat senator - David Leyonhjelm - proposing a cross-party bill. 

“I believe that collaboration in the development of a cross-party bill is the best way to secure the equality so many Australians deserve,” Victorian senator, Janet Rice, said in support. 

“The sooner we legislate for marriage equality, the better.”

On the home front, the debate also rages. 

In early June the Eden Magnet ran a street poll, asking locals what they thought about the issue. 

The question polarised the community and caused an unprecedented explosion of debate on social media.  

For Pambula resident and gay right’s activist, Iain Dawson, the debate is welcomed.

“In June I launched a facebook group called ‘Bega Valley for Marriage Equality’, and in just the first two days we had 200 followers across the Eden Monaro electorate,” Mr Dawson said.

“So there’s a lot of support out there, and we need better representation in our electorate.

"I want to encourage people to contact their state and federal members and strongly state that it’s time to address this issue.”

The problem is that our local policy-makers are no different to those within community; they simply can’t agree. 

In 2013, the Bega Valley Shire Council voted in support of same sex marriage, proposed by Greens councillor Keith Hughes and seconded by then councillor Liz Seckold. 

But in May this year, federal MP Dr Peter Hendy caused widespread consternation when he spoke on ABC South East, stating he would support the Liberal Party line, which was to not change the Marriage Act. 

It’s a position echoed by Member for Bega, Andrew Constance.

“To a degree I’m torn on this issue because I really do understand the conflicts and the emotional issues that are raised,” Dr Hendy conceded, although unwavering. 

“Whether it is party position or it indeed is a conscious vote, I feel that I would need to vote no.”

Mr Dawson and many members of our community feel this is an antiquated response, especially considering changes unfolding globally. 

“We’re now lagging behind other places in the world, like Mexico, Spain and Ireland, which are ironically all strongly Catholic countries that have legalised marriage,” Mr Dawson said. 

“So the religious context doesn’t fit, and Australia is really dragging the chain.”

Dr Hendy’s stance is particularly disappointing for councillor Keith Hughes and deputy mayor Liz Seckold, after the success of their lobbying in 2013. 

“I was pleased that Bega Valley Council voted in support of my motion for marriage equality because it is the right thing to do,” councillor Hughes said. “While a council has no direct power over marriage laws, it is important for our gay residents to know that their local council supports them and is advocating on their behalf.”

Councillor Hughes says that allowing same sex marriage is about dignity and respect, and valuing a diverse and inclusive society.

He further believes that marriage inequality fosters discrimination in other areas and can have an adverse impact on health and well being, which is a particular point of deep concern for deputy mayor Liz Seckold.

“I believe supporting same sex marriage is an important message to your young people,” Cr Seckold said. 

“I’m always concerned about youth after my years working as a teacher and in youth welfare. 

"Lots of kids move out of this region and away to the cities to ‘come out’ because they’re so frightened about discrimination, and that’s not healthy. 

"A positive stance on same sex marriage offers a better future for our youth.”

Mr Dawson grew up in the area, and attended Eden High School. 

He then moved away from the region to pursue life and career, returning only recently after a 20-year absence. 

“I think a lot has changed since I went away, and that’s fantastic,” Mr Dawson said.

“I think this community is more open and informed, and I haven’t personally experienced discrimination.

"That’s why I’m thrilled to be back here; it doesn’t seem to be a hard issue for people. 

"So that’s why I’m urging our community to pursue positive change, and keep up with the rest of the world.”

Mr Dawson cites the latest polls, which indicated 70 to 80 percent of Australians are in favour of marriage equality, and says the central issue is simply choice.

“I’m not saying that my partner and I are going to race out and get married as soon as the legislation passes,” Mr Dawson laughs warmly, “but we have long wanted the choice, and to be able to freely join our peers with deciding about that sort of commitment.”

Gabrielle Powell, coordinator of the Women’s Resource Centre in Bega, interacts with many gay and lesbian couples in our region, and supports and promotes 'The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia’ held annually. 

“They pay rates and taxes like everyone else, so if they want to get married like everyone else, why shouldn’t they?” Ms Powell questions. 

“I have good friends who have been living in relationships for over 30 years. 

"People should probably question whether marriage per se is the best thing - as so many end in divorce - but the main issue is that all couples have the option.” 

To voice your opinion or follow the debate locally, go to facebook.com/begavalleyformarriageequality

On Thursday, June 4, the Eden Magnet published a street poll asking people about their opinion of same-sex marriage.

The question divided the community, and a social media whirlwind. Here are the highlights:

“We’re against it. We’re Christians and believe in the sanctity of marriage. Marriage is between a man and a woman.” - Carolyn Phillips and Andrew McCaffery, Eden

“It’s going to cost taxpayers more to keep arguing about it. It should be passed through parliament straight away. People need to pull their heads out of the sand.” - Peter & Julie Mamolis, Wollongong

“I don’t agree with it. Same sex marriage is unnatural and it’s against God’s will.” - Emma Whiter, Eden

“I don’t understand why it wasn’t legalised years ago. Love is love, no matter who it is.” - Natasha Jarrett, Eden

Homosexuality was criminalised in NSW under section 79 of the Crimes Act 1900.

The Campaign Against Moral Persecution (CAMP) founded in Sydney in September 1970, becoming one of Australia’s first gay right organisations.

On June 24, 1978, gay rights activists in Sydney stage a protest march in commemoration of the Stonewall Riots which took place in New York in June 1969. 

The march resulted in arrests and widespread discrimination, further inspiring the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

2008 was the 30th anniversary of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Homosexuality remained a crime in NSW until 1984. 

That year Neville Wran introduced law reforms which decriminalised homosexual acts.

Policy amendments in 2003 equalised the age of consent for homosexual and heterosexual forms of sex.

Since 2003 there have been ongoing amendment changes offering gay and lesbian couples equal rights in other areas, including recognition of defacto relationship status and co-parenting rights.

In November 2013, a bill to legalise state-based same-sex marriage failed in the upper house of parliament.

In December 2014, the ACT’s Same Sex Marriage legislation was declared unconstitutional by the High Court of Australia due to inconsistency with the federal Marriage Act 1961, which create legal blocks for legislation in NSW. 

In November 2014, NSW same-sex couples married overseas can have their marital status recognised by the NSW Relationships Register.

Click here to read our same-sex marriage legalisation street poll from a few weeks ago.