Premium Content:

PM Turnbull: Stop playing politics and vote for the plebiscite

TURNBULL

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has not wavered in his support for the government’s proposed plebiscite plan, accusing Labor and the Greens of “playing politics” in today’s Question Time, following the revelation that Labor would not vote for the bill.

- Advertisement -

When asked by Labor’s Shadow Minister for Equality Terri Butler when the government would drop former Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s plan for a plebiscite, the PM was adamant a public vote was the only way forward.

“The first government to present a bill that would lead to the legalisation of gay marriage – marriage equality – is our government,” the Prime Minister said.

“That bill is before the house, we’ve taken that step. The Rudd Government didn’t. The Gillard Government didn’t.”

Mr Turnbull said the government’s plebiscite bill presents a clear path forward for marriage equality.

“If the polls, which the honourable member [Terri Butler] presumably likes to read, are to be believed it will be carried overwhelmingly and same-sex couples will be allowed to be married.”

The Prime Minister was dismissive of concerns from Labor, The Greens, LGBTIQ+ people, allies and mental health professionals that a plebiscite could be harmful to the LGBTIQ+ community, citing a plebiscite as a “thoroughly democratic process” for which the Coalition has a mandate.

“I understand criticisms can be made of it, we can all recognise them, but honourable members opposite have to recognise this fundamental reality. This is our government’s policy. We took it to the election. We won the election.”

Mr Turnbull asked Labor to “stop playing politics” and allow the plebiscite legislation to pass through the Senate, where the government does not have a majority.

“If they want gay couples to get married: vote for the plebiscite. It’s there. The road is open. The door is open.”

Labor and The Greens are continuing to push for a free vote in parliament to legislate for marriage equality, rather than the government’s proposed plebiscite plan.

OIP Staff

Latest

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New music from Paris Hilton and Maria Becerra, Omar Apollo, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, The Knocks & POWER, Kesha, and Fatboy Slim.

Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas says comments from John Carey are “pathetic”

The Lord Mayor, and Liberal candidate, has dismissed concerns about political interference in Pride WA.

PrideFEST Live was a welcome addition to this year’s PrideFEST

Vera Blue performed alongside Montaigne, Cub Sport and PNAU.

RnB singer Khalid shares with fans that he’s gay

Sadly the singer didn't get to come out by his own choice.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New music from Paris Hilton and Maria Becerra, Omar Apollo, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, The Knocks & POWER, Kesha, and Fatboy Slim.

Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas says comments from John Carey are “pathetic”

The Lord Mayor, and Liberal candidate, has dismissed concerns about political interference in Pride WA.

PrideFEST Live was a welcome addition to this year’s PrideFEST

Vera Blue performed alongside Montaigne, Cub Sport and PNAU.

RnB singer Khalid shares with fans that he’s gay

Sadly the singer didn't get to come out by his own choice.

South Australian police search for two men in relation to Rundle Street Mall attack

The alleged assault left one man with a broken jaw.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New music from Paris Hilton and Maria Becerra, Omar Apollo, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, The Knocks & POWER, Kesha, and Fatboy Slim.

Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas says comments from John Carey are “pathetic”

The Lord Mayor, and Liberal candidate, has dismissed concerns about political interference in Pride WA.

PrideFEST Live was a welcome addition to this year’s PrideFEST

Vera Blue performed alongside Montaigne, Cub Sport and PNAU.