Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has said she has “absolutely no concerns” about marriage equality in Australia during an appearance on Channel Ten’s ‘The Project’.

The Member for Curtin had until now kept her official stance on the issue to herself.

“I have absolutely no concerns about it myself, but I know there are a lot of people who are deeply concerned about the issue,” Ms Bishop said.

Ms Bishop has also announced her support for a plebiscite, in alignment with much of the Liberal party and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

“That’s why I think a plebiscite, where the Australian people get to have a vote on it, on an issue as fundamental as this that goes to the very composition of our community, the way we feel about each other, how we treat each other.”

Australian Marriage Equality national director Rodney Croome says that Ms Bishop’s support will be significant.

“It will mean other members of the Liberal Party will be more likely to vote in favour,” Mr Croome said, “I think if it’s put to the people, then we’ll see more Australians in support of the reform, because of the support of Ms Bishop.”

Many marriage equality supporters are pushing for a parliamentary vote to legislate for same-sex marriage, insisting a public vote is unnecessary, too costly a venture and may be harmful to the LGBTIQ community.

A recent poll from Essential Media has shown a drop in public support for a plebiscite when the question includes the projected $150 million cost of the public vote.

Prime Minister Turnbull says he is committed to putting the issue to a plebiscite, citing his faith in the Australian people to act with respect.

OIP Staff