Abbott 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.

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‘‘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.’’