A controversial bill to legalise same-sex marriage has been introduced to the Australian parliament.
Advertisement
Besides the bill’s numerous co-sponsors, Mr Entsch was supported by several MPs across the political spectrum.
Tony Abbott says the Coalition is yet to determine its policy on when and how to hold a public vote on the issue and he is doing his best to bring the focus back to jobs and the economy.
Warren Entsch, from Abbott’s Liberal Party, tabled the cross-party private members bill – despite a government meeting last week deciding against allowing MPs a free vote on the issue, effectively ending any hopes of legislation passing.
“I would rather spend every single one of them talking about economic management, how we ensure Australia’s prosperity, how our free trade agreements will drive prosperity, how we are promoting innovation, technology and science and so on”. As explored by Robert Reynolds in his account of Australian (queer) sexual activism during the 1960s and 1970s, among some early liberationists, the aim was not necessarily to adhere to or dismantle existing relationship structures, including marriage, but instead to achieve, “the freedom to fashion themselves as they wanted”.
“I think that is the government’s strengths, so we are very good at that, because we have a plan to do all of that”, he told Network Ten.
Entsch said the bill will allow for a more inclusive Australia.
He believes any plebiscite on same-sex marriage should be held before the next federal election so it doesn’t distract from other important issues. “Our support for a plebiscite is on the basis it is at the next election which doesn’t delay it”. Fellow cabinet minister Scott Morrison floated the idea of holding a referendum on Wednesday night, something Senator Brandis said he only became aware of on Thursday morning.
Australia’s Prime Minister (PM) Tony Abbott received a wake-up call from Hollywood for his view on gay marriage.
“It’s very hard to understand now members of our Parliament can be so thoughtless or so callous”, he said.
“We believe that when it comes to marriage equality, that time is now”, he said.
She doubts the government could organise a fair plebiscite, saying it’s like wishing for the “sun to be blue”.
In context, however, it is clear Mr Abbott’s comments relate to Australian society over the last few decades.
Meanwhile, cross bench senators have backed an Australian Greens bill calling for a gay marriage plebiscite before the election.
Cabinet is expected to discuss a potential people’s vote and its timing when it meets later on Monday.
Advertisement
At a rally for marriage equality in Melbourne today, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has delivered an impassioned plea for legalising same sex marriage in Australia, while addressing protesters.
