Premium Content:

Conscience Vote Likely Says Turnbull

Malcolm Turnbull webshotAbbott Government Minister Malcolm Turnbull has predicted a conscience vote on marriage equality will be allowed during the current term of government.

‘‘I think it is likely that we will (have a free vote), but as Tony Abbott has said, it is a decision for the party room, not for him,’’ Mr Turnbull told Sky News earlier today.

- Advertisement -

‘‘If a free vote is allowed I will certainly vote in favour of a marriage equality bill,’’ said the member for Wentworth, restating his support.

Mr Turnbull said Australia was falling out of step with countries we are culturally similar to.

‘‘So people of the same sex can get married in Auckland and Wellington, Toronto and Ottawa and Vancouver, in New York and Los Angeles, and Baltimore, in Cape Town, but not Australia.

‘‘It does start to look as if we’re the ones out of step.’’

Despite his support for marriage equality Mr Turnbull said it would be inappropriate for him to co-sponsor a bill with Labor’s Tanya Plibersek, as he is a member of the cabinet.
OIP Staff

Latest

Police find ‘no offence’ over Deeming assault allegations directed at Matthew Guy

Police find no offence after assault allegation by Moira Deeming against Matthew Guy, as political tensions escalate ahead of election.

Safety is about trust: Older LGBTI voices heard at ministerial roundtable

GRAI (GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc) brought the voices...

On This Gay Day | Marriage equality was achieved in the USA

The landmark Supreme Court decision saw the court rule that it was unconstitutional for states to ban same sex marriage.

Nedlands MP Jonathan Huston quits the Liberals to sit as an independent

Jonathan Huston quits the Liberal Party to sit as an independent, citing mining levies, in a move reshaping WA’s political landscape.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Police find ‘no offence’ over Deeming assault allegations directed at Matthew Guy

Police find no offence after assault allegation by Moira Deeming against Matthew Guy, as political tensions escalate ahead of election.

Safety is about trust: Older LGBTI voices heard at ministerial roundtable

GRAI (GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc) brought the voices...

On This Gay Day | Marriage equality was achieved in the USA

The landmark Supreme Court decision saw the court rule that it was unconstitutional for states to ban same sex marriage.

Nedlands MP Jonathan Huston quits the Liberals to sit as an independent

Jonathan Huston quits the Liberal Party to sit as an independent, citing mining levies, in a move reshaping WA’s political landscape.

British singer Joe McElderry releases dance tune ‘Love Me Out Loud’

Joe McElderry releases disco-inspired track Love Me Out Loud, returning to music after a four-year break.

Police find ‘no offence’ over Deeming assault allegations directed at Matthew Guy

Police find no offence after assault allegation by Moira Deeming against Matthew Guy, as political tensions escalate ahead of election.

Safety is about trust: Older LGBTI voices heard at ministerial roundtable

GRAI (GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc) brought the voices of older LGBTI Western Australians to the Government this week, convening a ministerial roundtable in...

On This Gay Day | Marriage equality was achieved in the USA

The landmark Supreme Court decision saw the court rule that it was unconstitutional for states to ban same sex marriage.