Thousands of people have shown their support for a ‘yes’ vote in the upcoming marriage equality postal survey at a rally in Melbourne.

Supporters young and old with rainbow flags and handmade signs flocked to the steps of the State Library on Saturday as part of a rally organised by the Equal Love group.

Federal Labor frontbencher Mark Dreyfus said it was just a matter of time until marriage equality is achieved in Australia.

“It’s going to happen. It’s either going to happen through this process, or whatever process by a private member’s bill,” he told the crowd.

“This is about all of us as Australians. I know, you know, that voting ‘yes’ for marriage equality, achieving marriage equality in our country, will make Australia a better country.

“And I’m looking forward to that day.”

Same-sex marriage supporters give Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull a makeover as they march through Melbourne’s CBD.             AAP / David Crosling

Other speakers said the ‘yes’ movement was buoyed by the addition of 90,000 new voter enrolments since the federal government announced the postal survey.
ACTU secretary Sally McManus said unions had been working across Australia to help people enroll to vote.

“Gay and straight standing together, doing what is necessary to win this important battle,” she said.

“We cannot have equality where one part of our human family is denied it.”