The upper house yesterday rejected the Australian-first legislation, eight votes to six, as was expected.

Mersey MLC Mike Gaffney's rousing speech in favour of same-sex marriage kept the faint hopes of gay couples alive. 

Mr Gaffney said he was ashamed that the Legislative Council had missed an opportunity to correct a wrong and show leadership. 

It was short-lived with Nelson MLC Jim Wilkinson soon confirming he would vote against the "second-best'' legislation, putting the result beyond doubt.

Elwick MLC Adriana Taylor was the most strongly opposed,  concerned it would lead to polygamy. 

She referred to Muslim men marrying up to four women under Sharia law in Sydney.  

``It is no coincidence in my opinion, that the Muslim community, which condemns homosexuality, is making no comment on this bill. If we can change the meaning of marriage once, we can do it again.''

She said she could not see a difference in their arguments and gay marriage advocates.''

Launceston MLC Rosemary Armitage and Huon MLC Paul Harriss also spoke against the bill, concerned about the risk of a High Court challenge.

Ms Armitage called on the federal government to hold a referendum on the issue at the next election.

Rumney MLC Tony Mulder said he supported the bill, despite criticising it as a "cruel hoax'' on those gay couples who wanted real equality.

All of those who spoke against same-sex marriage stressed the need for an end to discrimination, but were concerned about the legal ramifications of Tasmania going it alone.

Windermere MLC Ivan Dean was the final speaker, after a marathon debate lasting more than 11 hours that stretched over two sitting days.

He said he had never experienced such a level of lobbying as he had over this issue.