Rallies calling for gay and lesbian marriage equality were held around the country yesterday after a Senate inquiry into same-sex marriage dismissed the Greens' marriage equality Bill on Friday.

A protest held in Garema Place in Civic and attended by more than 200 people was further charged by the ACT Government's decision to acquiesce to Federal Government amendments, including a five-day waiting period before a ceremony can be held.

Equal Love Canberra spokesman John Kloprogge said it was a blow to those in the gay community who had been riding high after the Legislative Assembly passed the Bill in its original form.

''The compromise is a watered down bunch of breadcrumbs,'' he said.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times