Speaking at a rally in Canberra this morning, Senator Joyce said that marriage not was about the ''gaining of rights'' but the ''acquiescing of rights''.

''If you want to keep all your rights, my advice is don't get married,'' Senator Joyce said to cries of ''good one Barnaby!''

About 250 people converged on the lawns of Parliament House to rally for National Marriage Day amid a sea of balloons bearing slogans such as ''Husband and Wife = Life''.

Liberal senator Eric Abetz also addressed the rally, telling supporters that marriage between a man and woman was about the health and wellbeing of the nation.

Senator Abetz lambasted Hollywood celebrities for promoting the idea that marriage was ''only about love''.

He warned the protestors that polyamorists (who have multiple committed relationships at the same time) were ''hitching a ride'' on the gay marriage debate.

Labor senator Mark Furner addressed the crowd, thanking them for travelling to the ''cold city'' of Canberra.

Senator Furner said that same sex marriage advocates had ''hijacked'' the idea that marriage equality was some form of human rights,

He said that those who opposed gay marriage should not be subjected to accusations of discrimination or homophobia. ''We have a right to stand up,'' he said.

The crowd, mostly drawn from church groups, held placards saying children need a mother and a father.

Judy Searle from the Southern Cross Baptist Church in Blacktown said she came to Canberra because she was worried same-sex marriage would lead to the breakdown of society because of the ''immorality'' of homosexuality.

''A man is made for a woman, not for a man. That is disgusting,'' she said. ''God has created us for procreation.''

Ms Searle also came to the rally bearing pamphlets posing ''15 questions for evolutionists''.

Unlike Ms Searle, who is opposed to gay practise ''full stop'', some in the crowd were more focused on maintaining the traditional family unit.

Susan Donevski from Blacktown was there to protect what she called the sacred institution: ''We have respect for the community and respect for individuals. We pray for them, we are opposed to the acts [homosexual] but respect the individual.''

There are private members' bills for gay marriage from Labor MP Stephen Jones and Greens deputy leader Adam Bandt currently before the House of Representatives.

A vote on the Jones' bill is expected in the spring session, starting today. It is considered very likely to fail, as even though Labor MPs have a conscience vote, the opposition is voting against it.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard is opposed to gay marriage.

After he addressed the rally, Senator Joyce was chased by The Chaser on his way back to Parliament House.

Craig Reucassel questioned Senator Joyce on his position on gay marriage, but the Queensland National was not impressed.

"You've got to get more punchy with your lines," Senator Joyce said. "You're just not funny."