Federal MP for Flinders Greg Hunt has declared he argued in favour of marriage equality during the marathon Liberal party room debate earlier this month, supporting a free conscience vote on the issue.

“I do support same-sex marriage and that view has evolved over recent years through conversations with the community,” Mr Hunt said.

The Environment Minister voted against a private members bill in 2012 to legalise marriage equality, though his mind has changed over the last three years.

Bayside News report that Mr Hunt supports same-sex marriage “subject to strong protections of religious freedom.”

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has mentioned a national plebiscite or referendum on the issue, as more and more Coalition MPs come out in support of marriage equality.

Australian Marriage Equality and other proponents of changes to the Marriage Act say a plebiscite must be held at the next federal election to gauge the attitude of the Australian people.

OIP Staff