Senior Liberal figure, and Minister for Communications, Malcolm Turnbull has suggested that Liberal Party politicians will most likely be permitted to have a conscience vote on the issue of marriage equality in the new parliament.
In an interview on Channel Ten, Mr Turnbull said it was “reasonably likely” that the issue would come before the parliament again and that the Liberal members would opt for a free vote on the issue.
Following Mr Turnbull’s comments several other Liberal members have voiced their support for a conscience vote including many politicians who are against changing the definition of marriage.
The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that NSW MP Josh Frydenberg was supportive of allowing politicians to make up their own mind on the matter.
”While I support the status quo, I also support a conscience vote acknowledging the passionate views on this issue by those for and against,” Mr Frydenberg said.
Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey is another member who is in favour of a conscience vote while remaining opposed to same sex marriage.
It is expected that The Greens will re-introduce a private members bill to put the issue on the national agenda again.
Following Mr Tunbull’s comments Marriage Equality advocates vowed to step up their campaign to sway public opinion on the issue.
Rodney Croome from Australian Marriage Equality said his organisation would be meeting with a wide range of members of parlimant to get their support.
“Given the election of a number of federal Coalition MPs who support marriage equality, plus polls showing almost 80% support among Coalition voters for a conscience vote, allowing such a vote is the right thing to do.
“We have two main aims before the end of the year: laying the foundation for a cross-party working group and introducing new MPs to key voices in the debate including clergy, psychologists and parents who support reform.
“Marriage equality was achieved in Britain and New Zealand through cross-party co-operation and through the compelling personal stories of everyday families,” Croome said.
OIP Staff
