The Sexton survey of 1200 people, published in The Australian on Monday, was conducted before Prime Minister Tony Abbott rejected calls from within his own party to hold a plebiscite or referendum at or before the next federal election.
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The prime minister has not made clear how he would put such a question “to the people”, but his ruling Liberal National Party Coalition is debating whether to hold a constitutional referendum, which requires a majority of people in a majority of Australian states to vote yes to pass, or a more straightforward plebiscite, which requires a simpler national majority.
“It would be better if same-sex marriage were not a contentious issue at the next election”, Turnbull wrote.
Warren Entsch, a 65-year-old former crocodile farmer who has been dubbed a progressive redneck in the media, introduced a private member’s bill that would allow same-sex marriage throughout Australia.
A maverick lawmaker has broken from conservative government ranks to introduce legislation to Parliament that would legalize gay marriage in Australia.
No other government cabinet ministers were in attendance. She said she believed that a decision on whether or not to vote for gay marriage should be up to an individual, not a political party.
“Who is to say that one person’s love for another person is somewhat lesser because of their gender make-up?” he said.
The MP later told reporters the bill still had a chance of going to a vote.
“After an nearly 50 year commitment their relationship is still regarded as second rate under Australian law”.
In recent weeks, anti-marriage equality lobby groups, such as the Marriage Alliance, have focused on the effect same-sex marriage might have on children.
The bill would exempt ministers from marrying same-sex couples if they choose not to do so.
Some ministers say the vote should be a referendum to change the definition of marriage in the constitution – which would be more likely to fail than a plebiscite.
“It should be the people’s decision and that’s what will happen in the next term of parliament”, he said.
Turnbull and Pyne have both been outspoken on the issue over the last few days, with Turnbull arguing that any popular vote should preferably be before the election.
Attorney-General George Brandis was not sure about holding a vote before the next election.
An overwhelming 86 per cent of respondents said they supported legalising same-sex marriage in Australia.
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Entsch’s bill this morning had the support of fellow Queensland Coalition MP Teresa Gambaro, as well as Labor MPs Laurie Ferguson and Terri Butler, Greens MP Adam Bandt and independent MPs Andrew Wilkie and Cathy McGowan.
