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

UNSW threads together history and pride with Queer Community Quilt

The 3x5 metre collaborative artwork is inspired by the iconic AIDS Memorial Quilt.

ACON shares advice for safety and wellbeing this Mardi Gras season

The 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is in full swing and LGBTIQA+ community service ACON is sharing some timely advice.

Get a sample of the entire upcoming Bebe Rexha album in four minutes

Thanks to Diplo you can hear a 'supercut' of the forthcoming album.

Entries now open for ABC Classic’s Young Performers Awards

Applications can now be submitted for the ABC Young...

Newsletter

Don't miss

UNSW threads together history and pride with Queer Community Quilt

The 3x5 metre collaborative artwork is inspired by the iconic AIDS Memorial Quilt.

ACON shares advice for safety and wellbeing this Mardi Gras season

The 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is in full swing and LGBTIQA+ community service ACON is sharing some timely advice.

Get a sample of the entire upcoming Bebe Rexha album in four minutes

Thanks to Diplo you can hear a 'supercut' of the forthcoming album.

Entries now open for ABC Classic’s Young Performers Awards

Applications can now be submitted for the ABC Young...

On This Gay Day | In 1994 author Randy Shilts passed away

Shilts in remembered for his groundbreaking work 'And The Band Played On'

UNSW threads together history and pride with Queer Community Quilt

The 3x5 metre collaborative artwork is inspired by the iconic AIDS Memorial Quilt.

ACON shares advice for safety and wellbeing this Mardi Gras season

The 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is in full swing and LGBTIQA+ community service ACON is sharing some timely advice.

Get a sample of the entire upcoming Bebe Rexha album in four minutes

Thanks to Diplo you can hear a 'supercut' of the forthcoming album.