Last updated: December 25, 2014


National Breaking News

Social media users back same-sex marriage

WALLABIES flanker David Pocock has given his backing to same-sex marriage in Australia as social media users urge political leaders to follow the lead of British MPs in supporting gay couples' right to wed.

British MPs voted 400 to 175 in favour of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill on Wednesday morning (AEDT), putting the country firmly on course to join other parts of Europe, the US, Canada, South America and Africa in permitting gay couples to marry.

"Whoop 400-175! Now that's a majority!!" British actor Stephen Fry posted on Twitter.

"A great day in the slow but glorious history of British progress and fairness."

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and opposition leader Tony Abbott remain opposed to same-sex marriage and their MPs hold mixed opinions.

But the British vote has sparked fresh calls for both leaders to reconsider their views.

"I believe MPs voting for gay people being able to marry is a step forward for our country," Wallabies player Pocock posted on Twitter.

"Really disappointed in two major (Australian) parties. So important to make Australia more inclusive and move forward.

"Not recognising LGBT relationships through legislation engenders homophobia/transphobia."

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young added: "Fabulous news that the Brits will now have #marriageequality. Great leadership from @david_cameron. Long live the Queens of England!"

Australian Medical Association past president Professor Kerryn Phelps thanked British Prime Minister David Cameron for his leadership.

"It means so much to so many, even on the other side of the world," she added on Twitter.

"There is no justification for Australia continuing to refuse recognition of legal international same-sex marriages."

British MPs were allowed a free vote after Wednesday morning's debate, and half of all Conservative politicians either voted against the proposed law or abstained.

The vote was taken in the country's lower house and must now pass the House of Lords - the equivalent of the Senate - before passing into law.

Critics of the proposed law appeared to be in the minority on social media sites - at least in Australia.

There were some in Britain.

"It is a step backward, an open display of rebellion towards God," British pastor Josh Williamson tweeted.