Singer Danni Minogue says that the future generations of Australians will look back and think what the commotion is about with regards to gay marriage.

Minogue stated in a pre-recorded message to the International Day Against Homophobia Equal Love rally in Melbourne that as long as gay marriage was illegal, gay people would stay as second-class citizens.

"I just wanted to let you know that I fully support your cause," Minogue said.

"It's so important that gay people be given total equality and that includes marriage."

"Our Government continues to ban same-sex marriages and gay, lesbian and transgender communities remain second-class citizens."

Expectant mother Minogue said that the Equal Love rally may help change the law.

"I think the next generation will look back on this issue and wonder what all the fuss is about."

"Keep up the fight guys and girls and remember I am totally with you," she added.

'World-wide respect'

Sir Ian McKellan, gay rights activist and distinguished actor, said earlier today that the rally in Australia would receive worldwide respect if same-sex marriage is enacted.

He admitted that he has little knowledge when it comes to Australian politics, but believes in the universality of the gay rights principle.

"It's appropriate that four foreigners have come along to get involved in Australian politics," McKellan told a crowd of about 1000 people.

"We don't know anything about the complications of federal government as opposed to state laws, but what's obvious to me is a matter of principle here and it's a principle that foreigners can have a say in."

"It's a principle based on gay people are all born equal with the rest of the population and the law must not discriminate."

"A non-discrimination law establishing the right for gay people to be married would cost the Australian Government nothing financially and would gain for you world-wide respect," he said.

'Not an icky issue'

Sir Ian assisted in passing a petition with 100,000 signatures to Australian Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young. The senator wrote the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill that was voted down in Federal Parliament early this year.

Senator Hanson-Young stated that she would reinstate the Bill after the elections. She also declared that she would make same-sex marriage an important concern.

"Both old sides of Parliament, Labor and Liberal, voted it down. They don't want to talk about it, it's an icky issue for them. But it's not an icky issue for the rest of us," the senator said.