The Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (NSW) has hailed Friday the 13th of August a dark day for equality.

This afternoon the Senate passed the Marriage Legislation Amendment Bill 2004, which will expressly define marriage as between a man and a woman and prohibits the recognition of foreign same sex unions.

GLRL Co-Convenor Rob McGrory said, "The passage of this Bill by the Coalition and Labor marks this day as a dark day for equality in Australia. This is the first time in Australian history that a Federal Government has decided to wind back the rights of gay men and lesbians."

The Bill had previously been sent to a Senate inquiry for investigation but the ALP decided to renege on its commitment to await the Senate Committee report before voting on the Bill.

"In voting for this Bill the major parties have shamefully demonstrated to the Australian public that they are more interested in promoting prejudice than equality. The Coalition and Labor Party have cruelly voted to stigmatise an already vulnerable portion of the population in order to appease the conservative right," said GLRL Co-Convenor Somali Cerise.

The GLRL warned the Labor Party that by voting for this legislation it had alienated gay and lesbian voters.

"Gay men and lesbians will think twice before trusting the Labor Party with their vote. It is a dreadful shame for Australians that the Labor Party has shown no resolve in standing up for fairness and equality," concluded McGrory.