Protesters in cities across Australia took to the streets Saturday calling on Prime Minister Julia Gillard to reverse her stance against same-sex marriage and follow the lead of U.S. President Barack Obama.

Australia currently does not allow same-sex couples to legally marry, but Obama's recent declaration of support is encouraging protesters in

Australia to put pressure on their prime minister to follow suit.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER AT RALLY, SAYING:

"We demand a parliament that is progressive, not one that lags behind the rest of the world,"

The Prime Minister remains opposed to same-sex marriage, and has indicated she will not change her position as a result of Obama's statement.

Obama's comments gave many hope.

SOUNDBITE) (English) UNIDENTIFIED SAME-SEX COUPLE, SAYING:

"To be able to actually have vows to each other." "It would mean everything."

Not everyone is in favor of change.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNIDENTIFIED OPPONENT OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, SAYING:

"No, I'm not in favour of it, no."

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNIDENTIFIED OPPONENT OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, SAYING:

"Since Adam and Eve I think it was always marriage between men and women."

Surveys have shown that most Australians support same-sex marriage.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters