Nicholas Steepe, a spokesman for the city's LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex) residents, has backed Australian Marriage Equality's Rodney Croome in his efforts to make federal politicians understand that "the existing legal rights of same-sex couples will be easier to disregard" until the Marriage Act is amended.

Mr Croome spoke out after Ben Jago told of his legal rights being ignored by Tasmanian authorities after the death of his partner, Nathan.

Mr Jago said he was denied access to his partner's body, not informed of the details of his partner's funeral, excluded from funeral planning and unable to honour Nathan's wish to be cremated at Hobart.

He has taken his case against the Tasmanian Coroner's Office and the Tasmanian Police to the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commission.

Mr Steepe said the case was "one of the major reasons why marriage equality should be achieved as soon as possible".

"The love of these two people was ignored-all because of an outdated and discriminatory law that does not recognise same-sex couples," he said.

"I do not currently have a partner, but realising that this is a reality for many couples in Australia frightens me. My heart goes out to Ben."

Mr Steepe encouraged people struggling with mental health issues to seek out support from the likes of headspace Dubbo and Qlife, and online and telephone counselling services for LGBTI individuals.