· Gay marriage debate

The Australian Equality Party (AEP) was formally launched in Melbourne on Sunday, and aims to field senate candidates at the next federal election.

Party convenor Jason Tuazon-McCheyne said the party wanted to legalise gay marriage, as well as providing a new perspective on human rights issues.

“The GLBTIQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer) community needs its own political voice inside the Australian federal parliament and the AEP aims to provide that,” he said.

“We must step up to the political stage and end discrimination against GLBTIQ people and their families.

“We are deeply committed to creating a society where GLBTIQ Australians are afforded the same rights and protections as all other Australians.”