Premium Content:

Calls For Abbott To Support Same-Sex Conscience Vote

Mr Barnett at the Court Hotel recently supporting Eleni Evangel
Mr Barnett at the Court Hotel recently supporting Eleni Evangel

Premier Colin Barnett and Opposition Leader Mark McGowan have both promised that they will allow a conscience vote on same-sex marriage if they win the State Election this March.

Barnett acknowledges that although he is not personally in favour of same-sex marriage, public support is growing.

- Advertisement -

The announcement has resulted in calls for Opposition leader Tony Abbott to offer the same at a Federal level. The Liberal leader has previously stated that he would model himself on Mr Barnett if he were to be voted in as Prime Minster.

Speaking to the West Australian, Mr Abbott said,

‘Can I say how much I respect the Premier of this State (WA), how much I have learnt from him, how much I wish to model myself on him should I get the opportunity to lead our country’.

WA Australian Marriage Equality (AME) Convenor, Brian Greig, stated ‘If, as Tony Abbott says, he wants to emulate Colin Barnet he should started with one of the key law reforms facing Australia today and allow a conscience vote on same-sex marriage’.

Mr Barnett joins other senior coalition members in support of the conscience vote, who include Barry O’Farrell, Joe Hockey, George Brandis and Barnaby Joyce.

‘The weight of Coalition opinion on a marriage equality conscience vote is quickly tipping towards support and we urge Mr Abbott to not be left behind’, said AME national director, Rodney Croome.

Nadine Walker

Latest

On This Gay Day | Tasmania decriminalised homosexuality in 1997

Australia's journey to decriminalisation was a slow process.

British soccer player given whopping suspension for on pitch gay slur

It's not the first time he's been accused of using gay slurs during a game.

Which WA seats will be in focus on election night

All eyes will be on Tangney, Curtin, Moore, Canning and other WA seats once counting gets underway.

And then they were two, Auckland drops out of Gay Games bid

Auckland has withdrawn its bid to host the 2030...

Newsletter

Don't miss

On This Gay Day | Tasmania decriminalised homosexuality in 1997

Australia's journey to decriminalisation was a slow process.

British soccer player given whopping suspension for on pitch gay slur

It's not the first time he's been accused of using gay slurs during a game.

Which WA seats will be in focus on election night

All eyes will be on Tangney, Curtin, Moore, Canning and other WA seats once counting gets underway.

And then they were two, Auckland drops out of Gay Games bid

Auckland has withdrawn its bid to host the 2030...

Tinā, the debut feature from Miki Magasiva is a love letter to all Pacifika mothers

The film has a special opening night event at Luna Leederville.

On This Gay Day | Tasmania decriminalised homosexuality in 1997

Australia's journey to decriminalisation was a slow process.

British soccer player given whopping suspension for on pitch gay slur

It's not the first time he's been accused of using gay slurs during a game.

Which WA seats will be in focus on election night

All eyes will be on Tangney, Curtin, Moore, Canning and other WA seats once counting gets underway.