Andrew Heslop, Australian based commentator, community advocate and founder of Neighbour Day, made the following comments regarding the push for national legal recognition for same-sex couples.

"Today, across the country, Australians will rally in support of national legal recognition for same-sex couples who wish to commit to each other in a formal ceremony.  Families with same-sex attracted members are currently being denied the opportunity to see these couples declare their love for each other in the same way, and at the same level, as their heterosexual members can.

"It is hard to believe that in 2010 discrimination of this kind still exists in Australia. But it does," he said.

"Registering a relationship with a council or state government is second rate and would place me and my partner in the same category as micro-chipped pets and roadworthy motor vehicles.  It is insulting and sets in train the potential for some enterprising public official to raise income by instituting an annual fee."

He added, "The Australian Government must move to redress this situation by legislating to allow any adult in a committed relationship to have their love for each other declared equal under national law"

Andrew Heslop is available for interview - please contact Libby Fordham on libby at libby fordham dot com dot au or mobile +61 411 473 938.

He is represented exclusively by The Fordham Agency, Australia.