Coalition MP Warren Entsch, who introduced a cross-party supported marriage equality bill last month, believes if Greece can organise a referendum on a national bailout in 10 days, Australia should be able to hold a people’s vote on marriage equality before 2018.

Star Observer have reported that Mr Entsch believes that Prime Minister is the only member of his family who does not support marriage equality in Australia.

“I know in his own household his wife and children and his sister, probably his bloody dog, all support the change,” Mr Entsch said, “He’s the last man standing, we’ve had this discussion and he agrees with me.”

Prior to Mr Entsch introducing his cross-party bill, Prime Minister Abbott called a joint party room meeting to decide whether or not Liberal and National MPs would be allowed a conscience vote on any bills pertaining to marriage equality. A free vote was decided against and instead Mr Abbott announced it should be put to the people of Australia after the next election.

Without Coalition support, the bill is almost certain to fail. Marriage proponents are hopeful that a plebiscite before the next election will set a clear mandate for enacting inclusive changes to Australia’s Marriage Act. Mr Entsch says that it should happen now.

“If the Greeks can organise something in two weeks I can’t see any reason why we can’t do something, maybe a little bit longer, but … sooner rather than the later because the Australian people are ready for this,” he said.

“The longer you let this go on, the more you’re going to get the extremes of both sides turning it into something that’s just unpleasant.”

OIP Staff