The ALP state conference has voted to send a message to Julia Gillard to “get over it” and legalise gay marriage.

Only the conservative shop assistant's union voted against the urgency motion.

Textile union secretary Michele O'Neil addresses the Labor state conference today. Credit:Mal Fairclough

However, national secretary Joe De Bruyn declined to debate the issue, saying it was a matter for the national platform and the powerful union would save its arguments for the National conference in December.

Ms Gillard has regularly reiterated her opposition to gay marriage, but a strong move is expected at the national conference to change the party's platform, which will put pressure on the federal government to amend the Marriage Act.