Australian gay activists have applauded US president-elect Barack Obama for referring to gay Americans in his acceptance speech, but are dismayed with the likely victory of an anti-gay marriage referendum in California.
Australian Coalition for Equality spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that Barack Obama has shown a willingness to embrace LGBT people that is not shared by Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd.
"Kevin Rudd has never explicitly included us in his vision of Australia's future in the way Barack Obama has included LGBT people in his vision of a new America", Mr Croome said.
"Although both Obama and Rudd have similar same-sex rights policies, endorsing some spousal entitlements but not marriage, Obama has set a new standard when it comes to acknowledging that LGBT people have a valued place in society."
Meanwhile, a California referendum to override same-sex marriage looks set to be narrowly endorsed, despite the estimated 16,000 same-sex marriages which have occurred in that state since a court decision in May allowed same-sex nuptials.
Mr Croome said the outcome was disappointing but not surprising given the hateful and well-resourced campaign run by opponents of marriage equality.
"Since Australia banned same-sex marriage four years ago a majority of Australians have realised this was a terrible mistake and now support equality."
"I have no doubt the same will happen in California, especially as it becomes clearer that the same-sex marriages which have already occurred in that state are a benefit to society, not a threat."
