Marriage equality advocates have called on Coalition Leader, Tony Abbott, to allow a conscience vote on the issue following support for a Coalition conscience vote from leading moderate Liberal, Malcolm Turnbull.
Turnbull’s support comes just days after a conscience vote was given the green light by National Party Deputy Leader, Barnaby Joyce and Liberal MP, Russell Broadbent, both of whom oppose marriage equality.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, said growing support for a conscience vote across different segments of the Liberal and National parties puts pressure on Mr Abbott to reverse his opposition to such a vote.
“Malcolm Turnbull’s support for a conscience vote is a reminder to other members of the Coalition that the Coalition’s fundamental principle is individual freedom”, Mr Greenwich said.
“By allowing a conscience vote Mr Abbott will send a message to voters, including the 50% of Coalition voters who support marriage equality, that he is a leader who respects those who disagree with him.”
“Mr Abbott has nothing to fear from a conscience vote if, as he says, the Coalition is generally against same-sex couples marrying.”
Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, recently announced her support for a Labor conscience vote on same-sex marriage, sparking protests from Party’s left faction who want a binding policy in favour of equality.
Mr Abbott is opposed to same-sex marriage and to a conscience vote on the issue.
For Mr Turnbull’s comments go to:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/malcolm-turnbull-splits-on-gay-marriage/story-fn59niix-1226201822162
For comments by Senator Joyce and Mr Broadbent go to:
http://www.smh.com.au/national/push-for-free-coalition-vote-on-gay-marriage-20111118-1nncf.html
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0416 316 335.