Same-sex marriage in Australia is inevitable, and this came from PM Julia Gillard, according to the couples who dined with her at the Lodge Tuesday night, and some of them carried personal discussions on the future of the legalization of their unions in Australia.

One of the guests, Sharon Dane, 54, told the Sydney Morning Herald she asked Ms. Gillard why her marriage could not be recognised in her country of birth.

''Apart from the sex of the people we're attracted to, our feelings of love and commitment is not different to anyone else's,'' she said.

Ms. Dane, a Brisbane social scientist, married her partner, Elaine Crump, 53, a maintenance worker, in Canada, where same-sex marriage is legal.

''The Prime Minister admitted that the more countries that embrace gay marriage, that this puts pressure on Australia,'' Ms. Dane said, referring to the PM's response to her question.

However, the Herald reported Ms. Gillard was careful to add her own position on same-sex marriage was unchanged.

''It was a very positive discussion and it gives me hope for the future,'' said another dinner attendee, Sandy Miller, who has been engaged for two years to partner Louise Bucke.

''This will happen one day. I have always been certain of it and I am more certain now,'' she told the Herald.

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for the Prime Minister told the Herald: ''The Labor Party's position on this is clear. When the private members' bills on same-sex marriage come to a vote, Labor MPs will be able to vote according to their conscience.''