After meeting our Prime Minister in Parliament, a marriage equality lobbyist says he’s certain Julia Gillard values same-sex couples despite her vocal opposition to gay marriage rights.

LGBTI specialist psychologist Paul Martin (pictured with Gillard) tells Same Same that he felt he made small progress when he met with the PM last week.

He says he told Gillard that significant mental health issues could be perpetuated and at times intensified by governments refusing to acknowledge LGBTI equality.