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

Cowboys songs – who did it best?

Madonna, Kylie, Jessie Ware and Beyonce have all created cowboy themed tunes, but who did it best?

Eurovision check-in: Lots of countries reveal their songs

Austria, the UK, Belgium, Croatia and Greece have all made announcements about artists and songs for 2025.

On This Gay Day | 'That's What Friends Are For' wins Grammy award

The song raised millions of dollars for HIV causes.

Australian drag legend Maxi Shield dead at 51

Tributes are pouring for Sydney drag performer Maxi Shield, who has sadly passed away at the age of 51.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Cowboys songs – who did it best?

Madonna, Kylie, Jessie Ware and Beyonce have all created cowboy themed tunes, but who did it best?

Eurovision check-in: Lots of countries reveal their songs

Austria, the UK, Belgium, Croatia and Greece have all made announcements about artists and songs for 2025.

On This Gay Day | 'That's What Friends Are For' wins Grammy award

The song raised millions of dollars for HIV causes.

Australian drag legend Maxi Shield dead at 51

Tributes are pouring for Sydney drag performer Maxi Shield, who has sadly passed away at the age of 51.

Lawyers for man charged with deliberately infecting others with HIV says its no longer serious harm

The UK case is challenging whether knowingly passing on HIV can be considered serious bodily harm.

Cowboys songs – who did it best?

Madonna, Kylie, Jessie Ware and Beyonce have all created cowboy themed tunes, but who did it best?

Eurovision check-in: Lots of countries reveal their songs

Austria, the UK, Belgium, Croatia and Greece have all made announcements about artists and songs for 2025.

On This Gay Day | 'That's What Friends Are For' wins Grammy award

The song raised millions of dollars for HIV causes.