Limiting marriage to a relationship between a man and a woman will remain China's legal position, a parliament spokesman said on Wednesday, ruling out following neighbouring Taiwan in allowing same-sex marriage, despite pressure from activists.

Taiwan's parliament passed a bill in May that endorsed same-sex marriage, after years of heated debate over marriage equality that has divided the self-ruled and democratic island.

China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has a thriving gay scene in major cities, but there has been little sign the ruling Communist Party will legalise same-sex marriage.

Asked at a news briefing whether China would legalise same-sex marriage, Zang Tiewei, spokesman for parliament's legal affairs commission, said Chinese law only allowed for marriage between one man and one woman.

"This rule suits our country's national condition and historical and cultural traditions," he said. "As far as I know, the vast majority of countries in the world do not recognise the legalisation of same-sex marriage."

Individual Chinese legislators have occasionally in the past few years proposed measures during the annual meeting of the largely rubber-stamp parliament every March to legalise same-sex marriage, without success.

There are no laws against same-sex relations in China and despite growing awareness of LGBT issues, the community has been the target of censors in recent months, fuelling fears of growing intolerance.

Activists have asked people in China to propose amendments to a draft civil code en masse, though they have admitted they see little chance of success. The parts of the code relating to marriage are expected to pass into law next year.

The code makes changes on issues such as sexual harassment, divorce and family planning, but does not further the rights of the LGBT community, drafts published by parliament show.

Zang said the marriage section of the draft civil code maintains the bond as being between a man and a woman.

Prominent gay rights activist Sun Wenlin said he was disappointed in the comments, but not surprised.

"I feel that my partner and I are sacrificing our happiness for the country's legal system," said Sun, who three years ago had his application to legally marry his partner rejected by a Chinese court.

"They are undermining our life plan of choosing to marry the person we love."

He added, "I feel I am being excluded, and am absolutely not a consideration for policymakers."

Another activist, who asked not to be named, told Reuters there were cases in China of same-sex partners who had lost their homes after one of them died, as they lacked the legal protection of marriage.

"We hope these tragedies don't keen happening," the activist said.

Limiting marriage to a relationship between a man and a woman will remain China's legal position, a parliament spokesman said on Wednesday, ruling out following neighbouring Taiwan in allowing same-sex marriage, despite pressure from activists.

Limiting marriage to a relationship between a man and a woman will remain China's legal position, a parliament spokesman said on Wednesday, ruling out following neighbouring Taiwan in allowing same-sex marriage, despite pressure from activists. Taiwan's parliament passed a bill in May that endorsed same-sex marriage, after years of heated debate over marriage equality that has divided the self-ruled and democratic island. China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has a thriving gay scene in major cities, but there has been little sign the ruling Communist Party will legalise same-sex marriage. Asked at a news briefing whether China would legalise same-sex marriage, Zang Tiewei, spokesman for parliament's legal affairs commission, said Chinese law only allowed for marriage between one man and one woman. "This rule suits our country's national condition and historical and cultural traditions," he said. "As far as I know, the vast majority of countries in the world do not recognise the legalisation of same-sex marriage." Individual Chinese legislators have occasionally in the past few years proposed measures during the annual meeting of the largely rubber-stamp parliament every March to legalise same-sex marriage, without success. There are no laws against same-sex relations in China and despite growing awareness of LGBT issues, the community has been the target of censors in recent months, fuelling fears of growing intolerance. Activists have asked people in China to propose amendments to a draft civil code en masse, though they have admitted they see little chance of success. The parts of the code relating to marriage are expected to pass into law next year. The code makes changes on issues such as sexual harassment, divorce and family planning, but does not further the rights of the LGBT community, drafts published by parliament show. Zang said the marriage section of the draft civil code maintains the bond as being between a man and a woman. Prominent gay rights activist Sun Wenlin said he was disappointed in the comments, but not surprised. "I feel that my partner and I are sacrificing our happiness for the country's legal system," said Sun, who three years ago had his application to legally marry his partner rejected by a Chinese court. "They are undermining our life plan of choosing to marry the person we love." He added, "I feel I am being excluded, and am absolutely not a consideration for policymakers." Another activist, who asked not to be named, told Reuters there were cases in China of same-sex partners who had lost their homes after one of them died, as they lacked the legal protection of marriage. "We hope these tragedies don't keen happening," the activist said.

China's Parliament rules out allowing same-sex marriage

UK's parliament voted on July 6 in favour of a plan that would compel the government to legalise same-sex marriage and extend abortion rights in Northern Ireland, if the province is unable to re-establish its own devolved government. Watch this video to know more.

Northern Ireland: UK lawmakers approve bid to legalise same sex marriage

Taiwan became the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage on Friday, as thousands of demonstrators outside parliament cheered and waved rainbow flags, despite deep divisions over marriage equality. Lawmakers of the majority Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) backed the bill, which passed 66 to 27, although the measure could complicate President Tsai Ing-wen's bid to win a second term in presidential elections next year.

Taiwan's parliament becomes first in Asia to legalise gay marriage

Kenya's high court on Friday upheld a law banning gay sex, keeping same-sex relations punishable by 14 years in jail in the East African nation and drawing strong criticism from the United Nations and rights activists.

Same-sex relationships are a crime in more than 70 countries around the world, almost half of them in Africa. Neighbouring Uganda once enacted a law imposing a life sentence for certain acts of gay sex although it was later nullified by the court.

South Africa is the only African nation to have legalised gay marriage.

"We hereby decline the relief sought and dismiss the combined petition," Justice Roselyn Aburili told a packed courtroom in Kenya's capital Nairobi, relaying the unanimous opinion of the three-justice panel.

"We find that the impugned sections are not unconstitutional, accordingly the combined petitions have no merit."

Some gay rights activists wept outside the courtroom after the verdict while supporters of the ban clapped, congratulated each other and yelled "thank you" at the judges' bench.

Other people backing the ban held placards outside the court with messages, including "homosexuality is an abomination."

Campaigners who filed the petition to decriminalise gay sex argued that the law violated Kenya's 2010 constitution, which guarantees equality, dignity and privacy for all citizens.

"We will appeal. We expect that the court of appeal will overturn this erroneous decision which in our view is very biased," said Eric Gitari, one of the petitioners.

Traditional values

The justices, who began hearing the case last year, threw out the petition on the grounds that gay sex clashed with broader, traditional moral values encapsulated in Kenya's constitution.

Aburili said the constitution still outlaws same-sex marriage but that allowing gay sex would "open the door for same-sex unions."

"We cannot be another Sodom and Gomorrah," Alfred Rotich, a Catholic bishop, told Reuters at the court after the verdict.

In September last year, India's top court scrapped a similar colonial-era law that punished gay sex with up to 10 years in jail, raising hopes among activists worldwide, including in Africa, for similar reforms.

New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW)'s senior LGBT rights researcher, Neela Ghoshal, said the Nairobi court verdict reduced Kenya's gay people to "second-class citizenship."

"Rights cannot be trampled upon in the name of social disapproval. The Court of Appeal should revisit this ruling urgently," she said.

UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said the ruling "encourages hostility and even violence against LGBT individuals.”

Due to a lack of legal protection, rights campaigners in Kenya say sexual minorities are routinely abused, assaulted by mobs, raped by vigilantes or enslaved by criminals.

Kenya arrested 534 people for same-sex relationships between 2013 and 2017, according to the government.

The National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, one of the petitioners against the law, has recorded more than 1,500 such attacks against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Kenyans since 2014.

Christian and Muslim groups support the law and the attorney general has argued that decriminalising gay sex could lead to legalising same-sex marriage.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has said, "gay rights is really a non-issue", while Deputy President William Ruto said Kenya had "no room" for gays. Legislator Aden Duale once told parliament that homosexuality was "as serious as terrorism".

Kenya's high court on Friday upheld a law banning gay sex, keeping same-sex relations punishable by 14 years in jail in the East African nation and drawing strong criticism from the United Nations and rights activists.

Kenya's high court on Friday upheld a law banning gay sex, keeping same-sex relations punishable by 14 years in jail in the East African nation and drawing strong criticism from the United Nations and rights activists. Same-sex relationships are a crime in more than 70 countries around the world, almost half of them in Africa. Neighbouring Uganda once enacted a law imposing a life sentence for certain acts of gay sex although it was later nullified by the court. South Africa is the only African nation to have legalised gay marriage. "We hereby decline the relief sought and dismiss the combined petition," Justice Roselyn Aburili told a packed courtroom in Kenya's capital Nairobi, relaying the unanimous opinion of the three-justice panel. "We find that the impugned sections are not unconstitutional, accordingly the combined petitions have no merit." Some gay rights activists wept outside the courtroom after the verdict while supporters of the ban clapped, congratulated each other and yelled "thank you" at the judges' bench. Other people backing the ban held placards outside the court with messages, including "homosexuality is an abomination." Campaigners who filed the petition to decriminalise gay sex argued that the law violated Kenya's 2010 constitution, which guarantees equality, dignity and privacy for all citizens. "We will appeal. We expect that the court of appeal will overturn this erroneous decision which in our view is very biased," said Eric Gitari, one of the petitioners. Traditional values The justices, who began hearing the case last year, threw out the petition on the grounds that gay sex clashed with broader, traditional moral values encapsulated in Kenya's constitution. Aburili said the constitution still outlaws same-sex marriage but that allowing gay sex would "open the door for same-sex unions." "We cannot be another Sodom and Gomorrah," Alfred Rotich, a Catholic bishop, told Reuters at the court after the verdict. In September last year, India's top court scrapped a similar colonial-era law that punished gay sex with up to 10 years in jail, raising hopes among activists worldwide, including in Africa, for similar reforms. New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW)'s senior LGBT rights researcher, Neela Ghoshal, said the Nairobi court verdict reduced Kenya's gay people to "second-class citizenship." "Rights cannot be trampled upon in the name of social disapproval. The Court of Appeal should revisit this ruling urgently," she said. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said the ruling "encourages hostility and even violence against LGBT individuals.” Due to a lack of legal protection, rights campaigners in Kenya say sexual minorities are routinely abused, assaulted by mobs, raped by vigilantes or enslaved by criminals. Kenya arrested 534 people for same-sex relationships between 2013 and 2017, according to the government. The National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, one of the petitioners against the law, has recorded more than 1,500 such attacks against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Kenyans since 2014. Christian and Muslim groups support the law and the attorney general has argued that decriminalising gay sex could lead to legalising same-sex marriage. President Uhuru Kenyatta has said, "gay rights is really a non-issue", while Deputy President William Ruto said Kenya had "no room" for gays. Legislator Aden Duale once told parliament that homosexuality was "as serious as terrorism".

Kenya's high court unanimously upholds ban on gay sex

Dozens of same-sex couples in Taiwan are rushing to the household registration office on the first day that a landmark decision to legalise same-sex marriage has taken effect. The office for registering the unions was packed on Friday as couples seized the earliest opportunity to tie the knot.

Taiwan allows gay couples to register marriages

Taiwan became the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-parliament-to-vote-on-asias-first-gay-marriage-bill-219288">first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage</a> on Friday, as thousands of demonstrators outside parliament cheered and waved rainbow flags, despite deep divisions over marriage equality.

Lawmakers from the majority Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) backed the bill, which passed 66 to 27, though the measure could complicate President Tsai Ing-wen's bid to win a second term in presidential elections next year.

Despite heavy rain, some demonstrators outside parliament in Taipei, the capital, embraced tearfully while others hailed the vote with chants of "Asia's first," and "Way to go, Taiwan!"

The bill, which offers same-sex couples similar legal protections for marriage as heterosexuals, will take effect after Tsai signs it into law.

"Today, we have a chance to make history and show the world that progressive values can take root in an East Asian society," Tsai wrote on Twitter before the vote.

"Today, we can show the world that #LoveWins," added Tsai, who campaigned on a promise of marriage equality in the 2016 presidential election.

It was not immediately clear, however, if same-sex couples are entitled to key rights, such as adoption and cross-national marriage, with parliament continuing to discuss the measure on Friday.

The vote followed a years-long tussle over marriage equality that culminated in a 2017 declaration by the democratic island's constitutional court giving same-sex couples the right to marry, and setting a deadline of May 24 for legislation.

Taipei's colourful gay pride parade, one of Asia's largest, puts on display every year the vibrancy of the island's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Challenge for Tsai

However, Friday's measure could prove a challenge to Tsai's bid for a second term in a January presidential election, after a poll defeat last year for her DPP was blamed partly on criticism of her reform agenda, including marriage equality.

Late last year, Taiwan voters opposed same-sex marriage in a series of referendums, defining marriage as being between a man and a woman, while seeking a special law for such unions.

"How can we ignore the result of the referendums, which demonstrated the will of the people?" John Wu, a legislator from the opposition Kuomintang party, asked parliament before Friday's vote.

"Can we find an appropriate compromise solution? We need more dialogue in society."

Conservative groups that oppose same-sex marriage said the legislation disrespected the people's will.

"The will of some seven million people in the referendum has been trampled," one group, the Coalition for the Happiness of Our Next Generation said in a statement. "The massive public will strike back in 2020."

Australia passed laws allowing same-sex marriage in 2017, but such unions are not recognised by Hong Kong and neighbouring China, which regards Taiwan as a wayward province to be brought back into the fold by force if necessary.

Taiwan became the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage on Friday, as thousands of demonstrators outside parliament cheered and waved rainbow flags, despite deep divisions over marriage equality.

Taiwan became the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage on Friday, as thousands of demonstrators outside parliament cheered and waved rainbow flags, despite deep divisions over marriage equality. Lawmakers from the majority Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) backed the bill, which passed 66 to 27, though the measure could complicate President Tsai Ing-wen's bid to win a second term in presidential elections next year. Despite heavy rain, some demonstrators outside parliament in Taipei, the capital, embraced tearfully while others hailed the vote with chants of "Asia's first," and "Way to go, Taiwan!" The bill, which offers same-sex couples similar legal protections for marriage as heterosexuals, will take effect after Tsai signs it into law. "Today, we have a chance to make history and show the world that progressive values can take root in an East Asian society," Tsai wrote on Twitter before the vote. "Today, we can show the world that #LoveWins," added Tsai, who campaigned on a promise of marriage equality in the 2016 presidential election. It was not immediately clear, however, if same-sex couples are entitled to key rights, such as adoption and cross-national marriage, with parliament continuing to discuss the measure on Friday. The vote followed a years-long tussle over marriage equality that culminated in a 2017 declaration by the democratic island's constitutional court giving same-sex couples the right to marry, and setting a deadline of May 24 for legislation. Taipei's colourful gay pride parade, one of Asia's largest, puts on display every year the vibrancy of the island's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Challenge for Tsai However, Friday's measure could prove a challenge to Tsai's bid for a second term in a January presidential election, after a poll defeat last year for her DPP was blamed partly on criticism of her reform agenda, including marriage equality. Late last year, Taiwan voters opposed same-sex marriage in a series of referendums, defining marriage as being between a man and a woman, while seeking a special law for such unions. "How can we ignore the result of the referendums, which demonstrated the will of the people?" John Wu, a legislator from the opposition Kuomintang party, asked parliament before Friday's vote. "Can we find an appropriate compromise solution? We need more dialogue in society." Conservative groups that oppose same-sex marriage said the legislation disrespected the people's will. "The will of some seven million people in the referendum has been trampled," one group, the Coalition for the Happiness of Our Next Generation said in a statement. "The massive public will strike back in 2020." Australia passed laws allowing same-sex marriage in 2017, but such unions are not recognised by Hong Kong and neighbouring China, which regards Taiwan as a wayward province to be brought back into the fold by force if necessary.

Taiwan becomes first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage

Romanians will vote at the weekend on whether to enshrine in their constitution that marriage must only be between a man and a woman in a referendum that has seen campaigners direct slurs at LGBT people and which activists said is open to fraud.

The conservative eastern European state already does not allow marriage or civil partnerships for same sex couples, nor does it recognise those performed abroad.

Regardless, Romanians will vote on whether to narrow the constitutional definition of marriage from a union of "spouses" at the initiative of a civil society group called the Coalition for the Family, which said the gender-neutral term could see gay couples win the right to marry in the future.

The vote needs a turnout rate of 30 per cent, or more than 5 million people, to be valid.

Dozens of human rights groups, which are encouraging people to boycott the ballot, have warned approval would embolden further attempts to chip away at the rights of minority groups and push the European Union state onto a populist, authoritarian track.

Days before the vote, the government relaxed anti-fraud monitoring and limited the options for challenging the result in contrast with regular elections, while the country's broadcasting regulator eliminated a cut-off date for campaigning.

"There are ... no efficient, applicable mechanisms to verify fraud for this referendum," independent think tank Expert Forum (EFOR) said, adding the conditions have created "a climate of distrust in the fairness of the process."

The vote is backed by the Orthodox Church and other religions and won support from all but one political party in parliament.

Some campaign posters and adverts urged people to vote "Yes" to defend family values or run the risk of gay couples stealing or adopting their children.

One advert said a "No" vote would enable a man to marry a tree.

"Many fear that what has happened in other countries, such as legalising marriage between a man and an animal, could happen here," the leader of Romania's ruling Social Democrat Party Liviu Dragnea told private television station Romania TV.

Romania decriminalised homosexuality in 2001, decades after neighbouring countries. It ranks 25th out of 28 EU states based on legislation, hate speech and discrimination against LGBT people, an annual study by ILGA-Europe, an umbrella organisation advocating equality, showed.

Romanians will vote at the weekend on whether to enshrine in their constitution that marriage must only be between a man and a woman in a referendum that has seen campaigners direct slurs at LGBT people and which activists said is open to fraud.

Romanians will vote at the weekend on whether to enshrine in their constitution that marriage must only be between a man and a woman in a referendum that has seen campaigners direct slurs at LGBT people and which activists said is open to fraud. The conservative eastern European state already does not allow marriage or civil partnerships for same sex couples, nor does it recognise those performed abroad. Regardless, Romanians will vote on whether to narrow the constitutional definition of marriage from a union of "spouses" at the initiative of a civil society group called the Coalition for the Family, which said the gender-neutral term could see gay couples win the right to marry in the future. The vote needs a turnout rate of 30 per cent, or more than 5 million people, to be valid. Dozens of human rights groups, which are encouraging people to boycott the ballot, have warned approval would embolden further attempts to chip away at the rights of minority groups and push the European Union state onto a populist, authoritarian track. Days before the vote, the government relaxed anti-fraud monitoring and limited the options for challenging the result in contrast with regular elections, while the country's broadcasting regulator eliminated a cut-off date for campaigning. "There are ... no efficient, applicable mechanisms to verify fraud for this referendum," independent think tank Expert Forum (EFOR) said, adding the conditions have created "a climate of distrust in the fairness of the process." The vote is backed by the Orthodox Church and other religions and won support from all but one political party in parliament. Some campaign posters and adverts urged people to vote "Yes" to defend family values or run the risk of gay couples stealing or adopting their children. One advert said a "No" vote would enable a man to marry a tree. "Many fear that what has happened in other countries, such as legalising marriage between a man and an animal, could happen here," the leader of Romania's ruling Social Democrat Party Liviu Dragnea told private television station Romania TV. Romania decriminalised homosexuality in 2001, decades after neighbouring countries. It ranks 25th out of 28 EU states based on legislation, hate speech and discrimination against LGBT people, an annual study by ILGA-Europe, an umbrella organisation advocating equality, showed.

Romanians to vote on constitutional ban on same-sex marriage

Australian lawmaker Tim Wilson on Monday popped the question to his long-term partner Ryan Bolger on the floor of Parliament, during a debate to legalise same-sex marriage in the country.

The proposal, which came shortly after the same-sex marriage bill was introduced to the lower house of Parliament, was greeted with applause from all sides of the political divide and the public gallery.

Addressing the Parliament in favour of the same-sex marriage bill, Wilson turned to thank Bolger, who was sitting with marriage equality advocates in the public gallery, for his support.

&quot;There`s only one thing left to do,&quot; he said, choking up slightly. Ryan Patrick Bolger, will you marry me?&quot; the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Wilson as saying.

And the answer came back fast and loud as Bolger responded with a clear &quot;yes&quot;.

Earlier in his speech, Wilson recalled when he had first presented Bolger with the rings that the pair has worn on their left hands for seven years.

&quot;I said, `I don`t know what this ring represents, but will you take it as a sign of my commitment`. Thankfully the answer was yes,&quot; he said.

Wilson has been engaged to the school teacher for nine years and reaffirmed his proposal during a speech on the issue, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.

According to ABC, the same-sex marriage legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives on Monday and is expected to pass easily after debate on proposed religious protection amendments.

The bill was introduced by Liberal MP Warren Entsch, a long-time advocate for same-sex marriage.&nbsp;

The proposal, which came shortly after the same-sex marriage bill was introduced to the lower house of Parliament, was greeted with applause from all sides of the political divide and the public gallery

Australian lawmaker Tim Wilson on Monday popped the question to his long-term partner Ryan Bolger on the floor of Parliament, during a debate to legalise same-sex marriage in the country. The proposal, which came shortly after the same-sex marriage bill was introduced to the lower house of Parliament, was greeted with applause from all sides of the political divide and the public gallery. Addressing the Parliament in favour of the same-sex marriage bill, Wilson turned to thank Bolger, who was sitting with marriage equality advocates in the public gallery, for his support. "There`s only one thing left to do," he said, choking up slightly. Ryan Patrick Bolger, will you marry me?" the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Wilson as saying. And the answer came back fast and loud as Bolger responded with a clear "yes". Earlier in his speech, Wilson recalled when he had first presented Bolger with the rings that the pair has worn on their left hands for seven years. "I said, `I don`t know what this ring represents, but will you take it as a sign of my commitment`. Thankfully the answer was yes," he said. Wilson has been engaged to the school teacher for nine years and reaffirmed his proposal during a speech on the issue, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported. According to ABC, the same-sex marriage legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives on Monday and is expected to pass easily after debate on proposed religious protection amendments. The bill was introduced by Liberal MP Warren Entsch, a long-time advocate for same-sex marriage.

Australia same-sex marriage: MP proposes to partner during debate in Parliament

A contentious postal survey on same-sex marriage kicked off in Australia&nbsp;Tuesday, with ballots delivered across the vast continent ahead of an expected fractious campaign between the &quot;yes&quot; and &quot;no&quot; sides.

While there has been growing support for marriage equality, with 70 per cent of those surveyed in a new Fairfax Media poll&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;backing the &quot;yes&quot; campaign, Australia has not yet legalised such unions despite more than a decade of political wrangling.

The conservative government chose an unusual approach, a voluntary and non-binding postal vote, after an election promise of a national plebiscite was knocked back twice by the upper house Senate.

&quot;I encourage everyone to fill in the survey and return it. I`ll be voting `yes` as will (my wife) Lucy,&quot; Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told commercial radio this week.

Turnbull, a moderate, is opposed by some members of his conservative ruling Liberal-National coalition on legalising gay marriage, with the postal vote seen as a compromise.

The start of the ballot process followed rallies on the weekend for and against changing marriage laws, with thousands of people dressed in rainbow colours packing central Sydney&nbsp;on Sunday&nbsp;to back the &quot;yes&quot; vote.

Hundreds of &quot;no&quot; campaigners marched&nbsp;on Saturday, arguing that changes would infringe on religious freedom and children`s rights.

Up to 15 million Australians will be asked: &quot;Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?&quot; on the ballot paper and given the option of marking &quot;yes&quot; or &quot;no&quot; boxes.

But &quot;yes&quot; campaigners have warned the method of collecting votes, via the postal system, could be less effective at engaging younger tech-savvy Australians, who are seen as more supportive of changing the laws.

National Party MPs have also voiced concern about Australia Post`s abilities to deliver the survey to rural and regional areas across the vast country.

The postal vote will close on&nbsp;November 7, with the result released on&nbsp;November 15.

If most Australians vote &quot;yes&quot;, the government will move for a parliamentary vote, but will not do so if there is a &quot;no&quot; outcome.

The survey has shed light on how rare national non-binding plebiscites are in Australia. The votes are different in the country to referendums, which affect the constitution.

Just three have been held, two on conscription in 1916 and 1917, and one on which song should be the national anthem in 1977.

But all occurred under the Electoral Act, unlike the postal survey which is being carried out by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The bureau was given the task by Canberra to avoid the need for parliamentary approval, but that meant the marriage poll did not attract advertising protections against malicious campaign material in force during elections, a key concern for activists fearing it could unleash a barrage of homophobia.

Politicians this week were scrambling to pass similar election-type safeguards restricting material that might be misleading and deceptive.

Australia has not yet legalised such unions despite more than a decade of political wrangling

A contentious postal survey on same-sex marriage kicked off in Australia Tuesday, with ballots delivered across the vast continent ahead of an expected fractious campaign between the "yes" and "no" sides. While there has been growing support for marriage equality, with 70 per cent of those surveyed in a new Fairfax Media poll on Tuesday backing the "yes" campaign, Australia has not yet legalised such unions despite more than a decade of political wrangling. The conservative government chose an unusual approach, a voluntary and non-binding postal vote, after an election promise of a national plebiscite was knocked back twice by the upper house Senate. "I encourage everyone to fill in the survey and return it. I`ll be voting `yes` as will (my wife) Lucy," Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told commercial radio this week. Turnbull, a moderate, is opposed by some members of his conservative ruling Liberal-National coalition on legalising gay marriage, with the postal vote seen as a compromise. The start of the ballot process followed rallies on the weekend for and against changing marriage laws, with thousands of people dressed in rainbow colours packing central Sydney on Sunday to back the "yes" vote. Hundreds of "no" campaigners marched on Saturday, arguing that changes would infringe on religious freedom and children`s rights. Up to 15 million Australians will be asked: "Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?" on the ballot paper and given the option of marking "yes" or "no" boxes. But "yes" campaigners have warned the method of collecting votes, via the postal system, could be less effective at engaging younger tech-savvy Australians, who are seen as more supportive of changing the laws. National Party MPs have also voiced concern about Australia Post`s abilities to deliver the survey to rural and regional areas across the vast country. The postal vote will close on November 7, with the result released on November 15. If most Australians vote "yes", the government will move for a parliamentary vote, but will not do so if there is a "no" outcome. The survey has shed light on how rare national non-binding plebiscites are in Australia. The votes are different in the country to referendums, which affect the constitution. Just three have been held, two on conscription in 1916 and 1917, and one on which song should be the national anthem in 1977. But all occurred under the Electoral Act, unlike the postal survey which is being carried out by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The bureau was given the task by Canberra to avoid the need for parliamentary approval, but that meant the marriage poll did not attract advertising protections against malicious campaign material in force during elections, a key concern for activists fearing it could unleash a barrage of homophobia. Politicians this week were scrambling to pass similar election-type safeguards restricting material that might be misleading and deceptive.

Australia same-sex marriage vote begins

Only&nbsp;five&nbsp;countries&nbsp;in the world have&nbsp;given lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)&nbsp;people&nbsp;equal&nbsp;constitutional&nbsp;rights, global research shows, with most&nbsp;countries&nbsp;failing to protect the community from widespread discrimination and abuses.

Britain, Bolivia, Ecuador, Fiji, Malta are the&nbsp;only&nbsp;countries&nbsp;that&nbsp;give&nbsp;constitutional&nbsp;rights&nbsp;to&nbsp;people regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity, according to a report by global research group WORLD Policy Analysis Center (WORLD) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

The report, which analysed the constitutions of all 193&nbsp;countries&nbsp;recognised by the United Nations, is the most comprehensive study to date, researchers say.

Despite 22&nbsp;countries&nbsp;introducing same-sex marriage laws, the lack of&nbsp;equal&nbsp;constitutional&nbsp;rights means&nbsp;LGBT&nbsp;people&nbsp;are at risk of&nbsp;rights&nbsp;violations and discrimination, researchers said.

&quot;While marriage&nbsp;equality is an important start, it is not enough to prevent discrimination at work, in housing or many other spheres of life,&quot; said study author Jody Heymann, founding director of WORLD and dean of the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health.

&quot;It is crucial for constitutions to guarantee&nbsp;equal&nbsp;rights&nbsp;and protection from discrimination to&nbsp;LGBT individuals in all spheres,&quot; she said in a statement.

Most&nbsp;countries&#39; constitutions protect&nbsp;people&nbsp;regardless of sex, religion, race or ethnicity, but do not extend the same legal protections to the&nbsp;LGBT&nbsp;community.

The constitutions of Mexico, New Zealand Portugal, South Africa and Sweden&nbsp;give&nbsp;equal&nbsp;rights&nbsp;to people&nbsp;based on sexual orientation, but not gender identity, the report said.

(Reuters)

Despite 22 countries introducing same-sex marriage laws, constitutional?rights preventing discrimination at work and in housing are lacking

Only five countries in the world have given lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people equal constitutional rights, global research shows, with most countries failing to protect the community from widespread discrimination and abuses. Britain, Bolivia, Ecuador, Fiji, Malta are the only countries that give constitutional rights to people regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity, according to a report by global research group WORLD Policy Analysis Center (WORLD) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The report, which analysed the constitutions of all 193 countries recognised by the United Nations, is the most comprehensive study to date, researchers say. Despite 22 countries introducing same-sex marriage laws, the lack of equal constitutional rights means LGBT people are at risk of rights violations and discrimination, researchers said. "While marriage equality is an important start, it is not enough to prevent discrimination at work, in housing or many other spheres of life," said study author Jody Heymann, founding director of WORLD and dean of the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. "It is crucial for constitutions to guarantee equal rights and protection from discrimination to LGBT individuals in all spheres," she said in a statement. Most countries' constitutions protect people regardless of sex, religion, race or ethnicity, but do not extend the same legal protections to the LGBT community. The constitutions of Mexico, New Zealand Portugal, South Africa and Sweden give equal rights to people based on sexual orientation, but not gender identity, the report said. (Reuters)

Only five countries give LGBT people equal constitutional rights: research