The majority of Australians believe same-sex couples should be able to marry, a poll has found.
The poll, by Galaxy, said 71 per cent believed same-sex de facto couples should be entitled to the same legal rights as heterosexual de facto couples.
Australian Coalition for Equality spokesman Rodney Croome says the results would encourage renewed debate.
"These polls show that ordinary Australians have opened their hearts to the needs and aspirations of same-sex couples in a way that our national leaders have yet to do," Mr Croome said.
Australian Marriage Equality spokesman Peter Furness said the poll reflected Australians' intolerance for discrimination against gays and lesbians.
"The Government and opposition have been misjudging public attitudes, believing it politically wise to back discrimination," he said.
"The days of second-class citizenship for gay and lesbian Australians and their families are numbered."
Federal parliament is expected to discuss the issue when a report by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission on entitlements for same-sex couples is tabled this afternoon.
Prime Minister John Howard said today he would examine the report but again ruled out legalising same-sex marriage.
Mr Howard said today he had not yet read the HREOC report but would consider its recommendations.
But he said the Government would not reverse its opposition to gay marriage.
"Let's have a look at the report before we start making any commitments," he said on Sky News.
"We are not in favour of discrimination but of course our views on the nature of marriage in our community are very well known and they won't be changing.
"There's no possibility of our attitude in relation to gay marriage changing.
"In relation to other issues we certainly aren't a Government that supports discrimination."
