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

Who is Scott Mills and why has he been sacked by the BBC?

One of the UK's most high-profile radio presenters was sacked by the BBC over historical sexual assault allegations.

On This Gay Day | Sir Peter Pears passed away in 1986

Opera singer Peter Pears passed away on this day in 1986, aged 75.

Moira Deeming secures top spot on Liberal ticket for Victorian election

Less than a week after party members voted to dump the first term MP she's made a comeback.

Australians for Mental Health welcomes new free mental health therapy for Aussies

The new initiative makes mental health support available to more Australians.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Who is Scott Mills and why has he been sacked by the BBC?

One of the UK's most high-profile radio presenters was sacked by the BBC over historical sexual assault allegations.

On This Gay Day | Sir Peter Pears passed away in 1986

Opera singer Peter Pears passed away on this day in 1986, aged 75.

Moira Deeming secures top spot on Liberal ticket for Victorian election

Less than a week after party members voted to dump the first term MP she's made a comeback.

Australians for Mental Health welcomes new free mental health therapy for Aussies

The new initiative makes mental health support available to more Australians.

Pride WA announce 2026 Fairday and Pride Parade dates

Get your diaries out and mark them down.

Who is Scott Mills and why has he been sacked by the BBC?

One of the UK's most high-profile radio presenters was sacked by the BBC over historical sexual assault allegations.

On This Gay Day | Sir Peter Pears passed away in 1986

Opera singer Peter Pears passed away on this day in 1986, aged 75.

Moira Deeming secures top spot on Liberal ticket for Victorian election

Less than a week after party members voted to dump the first term MP she's made a comeback.