A nationwide push to allow same-sex marriage is under way in Australia after a New South Wales parliamentary committee found it can be legislated at a state level.
NSW looks set to be the first Australian state to make the move, with both Premier Barry O'Farrell and opposition leader John Robertson having previously voiced support for same-sex marriage.
It is hoped a private member's bill will be voted on by the end of the year.
It follows a report from the Social Issues Committee Inquiry, which on Friday found it was constitutionally valid for NSW to legislate on same-sex marriage.
Australian Marriage Equality national director Rodney Croome says they will be lobbying state MPs in earnest both in NSW and in other states such as Tasmania and South Australia where reform has a good chance of passing.
Mr Croome said marriage equality at a federal level would be preferable as it would allow all same-sex couples in Australia to wed.
