Julia Gillard has drawn on experience from her own relationship to defend her opposition to same-sex marriage in Australia.
The Prime Minister isn't married to her long-term partner Tim Mathieson, but says that doesn't mean they aren't committed to each other.
"I think you can have a loving relationship of love and commitment and trust and understanding that doesn't need a marriage certificate," she said on ABC TV last night. "That's my life experience - so I'm speaking from that life experience."
Gillard's comments have been viewed as hurtful by many same-sex couples, according to Australian Marriage Equality national convener Alex Greenwich.
"The Prime Minister is able to choose not to marry, however this choice is denied to many same-sex couples who desperately want to celebrate the traditions of marriage and have the legal protection, security and recognition that comes with marriage," he said.
"The Prime Minister may not want to marry herself, but most Australians value the importance of marriage greatly and as such want their gay and lesbian friends to have equal access and be treated as equal citizens by the marriage act."
While Gillard is opposed to same sex marriage, she says she's happy for Labor colleagues to vote in support of it.
She has allowed her party a conscience vote on the issue.
3 News