Australia's governing Labor party backs gay marriage

Australia's ruling Labor party has backed gay marriage, although Prime Minister Julia Gillard is against it.

The party's national conference also endorsed Ms Gillard's amendment to allow a free vote on any bill aiming to legalise same-sex marriage.

With Labor holding a thin majority over the opposition Liberals, who oppose same-sex marriage, it is unlikely such a bill would succeed.

Australia currently bans gay marriage alhough some states allow civil unions.

The Labor party vote came after an emotional debate from both sides of the issue.     Read More