Premium Content:

Conscience Vote Likely Says Turnbull

Malcolm Turnbull webshotAbbott Government Minister Malcolm Turnbull has predicted a conscience vote on marriage equality will be allowed during the current term of government.

‘‘I think it is likely that we will (have a free vote), but as Tony Abbott has said, it is a decision for the party room, not for him,’’ Mr Turnbull told Sky News earlier today.

- Advertisement -

‘‘If a free vote is allowed I will certainly vote in favour of a marriage equality bill,’’ said the member for Wentworth, restating his support.

Mr Turnbull said Australia was falling out of step with countries we are culturally similar to.

‘‘So people of the same sex can get married in Auckland and Wellington, Toronto and Ottawa and Vancouver, in New York and Los Angeles, and Baltimore, in Cape Town, but not Australia.

‘‘It does start to look as if we’re the ones out of step.’’

Despite his support for marriage equality Mr Turnbull said it would be inappropriate for him to co-sponsor a bill with Labor’s Tanya Plibersek, as he is a member of the cabinet.
OIP Staff

Latest

Perth Queer Film Festival shares exciting 10th anniversary program

The festival has just revealed one massive program from its 10th outing.

On This Gay Day | Activist Mark Ashton died in 1987

Mark Ashton's advocacy was captured in the film 'Pride'.

PHOTOS | PrideFEST Parade 2025 full of love and light

Pride WA’s Pride Parade filled Northbridge with rainbows last November.

Join the celebrations with ABC’s live Mardi Gras broadcast

Everyone is invited to join in the revelry of the 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade with ABC on Saturday, 28 February.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Perth Queer Film Festival shares exciting 10th anniversary program

The festival has just revealed one massive program from its 10th outing.

On This Gay Day | Activist Mark Ashton died in 1987

Mark Ashton's advocacy was captured in the film 'Pride'.

PHOTOS | PrideFEST Parade 2025 full of love and light

Pride WA’s Pride Parade filled Northbridge with rainbows last November.

Join the celebrations with ABC’s live Mardi Gras broadcast

Everyone is invited to join in the revelry of the 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade with ABC on Saturday, 28 February.

Catch queer short film ‘Friend of Dorothy’ at Flickerfest

Celebrating 35 years in 2026, international short film festival Flickerfest is set to return with another illuminating program.

Perth Queer Film Festival shares exciting 10th anniversary program

The festival has just revealed one massive program from its 10th outing.

On This Gay Day | Activist Mark Ashton died in 1987

Mark Ashton's advocacy was captured in the film 'Pride'.

PHOTOS | PrideFEST Parade 2025 full of love and light

Pride WA’s Pride Parade filled Northbridge with rainbows last November.