Victorian Greens senator Janet Rice said the government was just putting “hurdle after hurdle and roadblock” in the way of marriage equality.
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The referendum is risky, as it would change the constitution to legalize same-sex marriage; understandably, Australians are wary of altering their government’s blueprint, and the conservatives know this.
Other ministers last week proposed a referendum on marriage equality, which would likely be defeated, as another path.
While Tony Abbott says it’s been decided that a vote would be held after the next election, the Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull is openly defying him, writing on his blog that there’s been no debate on timing in the party room or the Cabinet. “Every adult member in Australian society needs to have ownership of this decision”.
He also said if a plebiscite backed marriage equality, politicians should legislate to deliver it.
But there was support for a referendum from backbenchers, including Liberal Dennis Jensen. We now support a plebiscite at the next election with a question determined by parliament.
Deputy Labor Leader Tanya Plibersek believes Mr Entsch’s bill should go to a vote.
Sydney state independent MP Alex Greenwich told the Star Observer that a swathe of Coalition MPs, including Turnbull and Kelly O’Dwyer whose seats cover several LGBTI-centric areas of Sydney and Melbourne, were now in a “very hard position” with their constituents.
The prime minister says millions of people have strong views on the issue.
Since the government fumbled the ball on marriage equality, straight and LGBT Australians has been enraged. Richard Di Natale said.
“There is no doubt whatsoever that an amendment to the constitution is necessary should the Parliament proceed down this path”.
Knowing all this, we developed for our preferred option of a plebiscite at the next election with a question set through legislation.
Australia is accused of lagging behind a growing number of countries on marriage reform, highlighted by a recent US Supreme Court ruling to legalise same-sex marriage and Ireland voting for the unions in a referendum.
“The fundamental decision is that this government in the next term of parliament will put this very important question to the people for their decision”.
Shadow Attorney General Mark Dreyfus dismissed Morrison’s view and, according to ABC News, said the minister was “talking nonsense”.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Paul Gerber, of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law at Monash University, said a referendum was unnecessary.
At NSW Parliament yesterday, an emotional Croome said the last few days had been “disappointing and frustrating”. “I wouldn’t be introducing it if I didn’t hope we could have a vote on it”, Mr Entsch said.
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This is roughly consistent with a range of opinion surveys and could indicate Prime Minister Abbott – who vigorously opposes change – is out of touch with the electorate.
