The Australian Senate today rejected a bill to give equal marriage rights to gay citizens. The bill was introduced by the Greens but was defeated 45-5, just days before the world's biggest gay celebration, Sydney Mardi Gras.

The Australian Senate today rejected a bill to give equal marriage rights to gay citizens. The bill was introduced by the Greens but was defeated 45-5, just days before the world's biggest gay celebration, Sydney Mardi Gras.

Actors were paid to pretend to be gay in 2008's Sydney Mardi Gras, it has been claimed. According to the Scavenger, at least six actors were hired by furniture company IKEA to join its float.

Actors were paid to pretend to be gay in 2008's Sydney Mardi Gras, it has been claimed. According to the Scavenger, at least six actors were hired by furniture company IKEA to join its float.

Actors were paid to pretend to be gay in 2008's Sydney Mardi Gras, it has been claimed. According to the Scavenger, at least six actors were hired by furniture company IKEA to join its float.

Actors were paid to pretend to be gay in 2008's Sydney Mardi Gras, it has been claimed. According to the Scavenger, at least six actors were hired by furniture company IKEA to join its float.

An animal rights group have complained they were denied a float at this year's Sydney Mardi Gras. Animal Liberation NSW said it was deemed "not queer enough" to warrant a place in the procession.

An animal rights group have complained they were denied a float at this year's Sydney Mardi Gras. Animal Liberation NSW said it was deemed "not queer enough" to warrant a place in the procession.

An animal rights group have complained they were denied a float at this year's Sydney Mardi Gras. Animal Liberation NSW said it was deemed "not queer enough" to warrant a place in the procession.