It follows the call from a Raymond Terrace man for Port Stephens Council to pass a motion of support for a free vote for marriage equality.

Chris Baguley, who has been in a same sex relationship with partner Scott Dunn for three and a half years, raising two children, told councillors during a public access address that the tide of support had turned in favour of marriage equality in Australia.

The views were widely accepted by the councillors with Cr Peter Kafer saying love, not gender, was the cornerstone for any strong relationship, and mayor Bruce MacKenzie, in congratulating Mr Baguley on his courage to address the council, stressing the importance of being happy.

After meeting with the family on Friday, Cr MacKenzie described the children as well adjusted and the family as a loving unit.

"For me the most important thing in a family relationship is how happy the children are, and when I see pictures on television of kids washed up on the beach and the thousands escaping prosecution it tells me that happiness is what counts," Cr MacKenzie said.

The mayor said he was interested to hear the views on gay marriage of the wider Port Stephens community and that he would be seeking to bring before a future council meeting a notice of motion in support of marriage equality.

Strong opposition was led by devout Christian councillor Sally Dover, who suggested to Mr Baguley that he was sending "not the right message" as children needed both a mother and father.

Mr Baguley said he was encouraged to front the Port council after learning that 37 local government areas from around Australia had publicly declared their support for marriage equality.

"These include councils such as Tenterfield, Lachlan and Buloke, in regions not normally associated with this kind of support," he said.

"My partner and I don't know that we will get married, but we'd very much like it to be our choice."

Mr Baguley said that as adults he and his partner could handle the occasional barb, or casual discrimination thrown their way.

"But our kids, and any other young or vulnerable people still coming to terms with who they are, may not be as resilient," he said.

"A public show of support from their local council could have a powerful impact."