Protesters in cities across Australia took to the streets Saturday calling on Prime Minister Julia Gillard to reverse her stance against same-sex marriage and follow the lead of U.S. President Barack Obama.<br/> <br />Australia currently does not allow same-sex couples to legally marry, but Obama's recent declaration of support is encouraging protesters in<br/> <br />Australia to put pressure on their prime minister to follow suit.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER AT RALLY, SAYING:<br/> <br />"We demand a parliament that is progressive, not one that lags behind the rest of the world,"<br/> <br />The Prime Minister remains opposed to same-sex marriage, and has indicated she will not change her position as a result of Obama's statement.<br/> <br />Obama's comments gave many hope.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE) (English) UNIDENTIFIED SAME-SEX COUPLE, SAYING:<br/> <br />"To be able to actually have vows to each other." "It would mean everything."<br/> <br />Not everyone is in favor of change.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNIDENTIFIED OPPONENT OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, SAYING:<br/> <br />"No, I'm not in favour of it, no."<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNIDENTIFIED OPPONENT OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, SAYING:<br/> <br />"Since Adam and Eve I think it was always marriage between men and women."<br/> <br />Surveys have shown that most Australians support same-sex marriage.<br/> <br />Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters
