Coalition MPs have met to discuss the issue of allowing a free vote on the issue of marriage equality.
After a long meeting the Liberal and National members filed out of the meeting just before 5pm (EST) without speaking to waiting reporters.
It is expected that MPs will return to the meeting at 5:30pm (EST) to continue their discussion.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott called a special party room meeting this afternoon to address the issue of marriage equality after Liberal backbencher Warren Entsch raised the issue during the party’s weekly meeting this morning.
Mr Enstch has previously announced that he would introduce a private members bill for marriage equality in conjunction with Liberal colleague Teresa Gambaro.
The bill which will be seconded by Labor backbencher Terri Butler and co-sponsored by Labor MP Laurie Ferguson, Greens MP Adam Bandt and independents Cathy McGowan and Andrew Wilkie.
Prior to the 2013 federal election the Prime Minister said marriage equality would be a matter for the party room, but after winning the election the Prime Minister revised his comments saying it was unlikely to become an issue for the party room.
During question time in parliament this afternoon Opposition leader Bill Shorten reminded the Prime Minister of his pre-election commitment.
“I was very clear before the election about our position on the matter of same-sex marriage. I said if it came up in the next parliament it would be dealt with in the Coalition party room in the usual way.” Mr Shorten said.
The Australian Financial Review have described the Liberal party’s meeting this morning as being “chaotic”. An unnamed source form inside the meeting described the discussion as shambolic.
It is understood that a senior government Minister challenged the Prime Minister on the issue of marriage equality which led to the joint party room meeting with the Nationals.
It has been reported that Education Minister Christopher Pyne was critical of the decision to include the Nationals given that many of their members are opposed to marriage equality and in agreement with the Prime Minister. Mr Pyne is reported to have described the move as “branch stacking”.
Concern was also allegedly raised by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop who was reported to be worried about the unresolved issue having an effect on the upcoming bi-election in Western Australia.
The parliamentary selection committee has approved the cross-party bill for debate. The bill will be introduced to parliament on Monday by Liberal MP Warren Entsch with support from Labor’s Terri Butler as well as members of The Greens and independent members.
Last updated Tuesday 5:45pm
OIP Staff
