GetUp looks to the future after thousands turn out in Perth for marriage equality

THOUSANDS braved the rain to form Australia's biggest marriage equality rally on record at Russell Square in Northbridge yesterday afternoon.

At least 5000 people attended Love in Perth, the fourth and most popular in a series of capital city rallies organised by GetUp! Australia and Australian Marriage Equality.

More than 17,600 people pledged to attend the rally on its official Facebook page.

Reverend Peter Manuel from St Andrews Anglican Church in Subiaco told rainbow-clad crowds that he "longed for the day" when he could preside over the wedding of a same-sex couple.

"My church in Subiaco is a place of welcome for all people, including the LGBTI community," Rev Emmanuel said.

Labor minister Alannah MacTiernan, Greens senator Rachel Siewert, Ivan Teoh from Australian Marriage Equality, the grandmother of a gay father Steph Hasting and Playgroups with Pride founder Joey McAuley also spoke.

"This fight for marriage equality will make us a stronger and better community for all," Ms MacTiernan said.

Crowds chanted: "What do we want? Equal vote. When do we want it? August," throughout the rally.

"Perth, I love you," organiser and GetUp campaigner Sally Rugg wrote on Facebook following the event.

"Thank you for braving the rain, for remembering"August!" and being part of this campaign.

"When we win this, you'll have been part of it. Thank you."

More than 1500 Facebook users have already RSVP'd to the next marriage equality rally Equal Love to be held at Murray Street Mall on August 9.