A new poll from Essential Media has indicated a massive swing towards support for a parliamentary vote on marriage equality when factoring in the price of a plebiscite.

The poll asked 1,792 people whether they believed the issue of same-sex marriage should be decided by a national vote or a vote in parliament – considering that a national vote would cost around $150 million.

Now 43% of voters now a national vote, as opposed to the 67% in September before the taxpayer costs were included in the question. Support for a parliamentary vote has risen to 41%.

The poll also found that those who opposed marriage equality were more likely to prefer a plebiscite to a parliamentary vote – 48% to 37%.

Australian Marriage Equality national director Rodney Croome says this poll clearly shows support for a plebiscite collapses when voters are aware of the cost.

“Most Australians would prefer that money spent on schools, hospitals and other essential services,” Mr Croome said.

“After a decade of opinion polls showing majority support for marriage equality, Australians want their elected representatives to get on with it.”

Equality proponents Shelley Argent of PFLAG and The Australian Greens have continued to rally for a parliamentary vote.

A recent Senate inquiry led by independent Senator Glenn Lazarus recommended against a public vote, citing potential mental and emotional distress for the LGBTIQ community, their children and allies.

OIP Staff