Sat 30 Jan 2016 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
The Australian Prime Minister has promised to legalise same-sex marriage if a majority of people support the decision. The Government plans to hold a non-legally binding public vote on the issue is planned following the Australian federal election. A Plebiscite vote is used in area of the law which are not covered by the constitution and is thought to be representative of the will of the Australian people. The vote however cannot change the law on it’s own and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who supports same-sex marriage, says it will be legalised if the people vote to legalise it. Speaking to Melbourne Radio 3AW, he said, “If the majority of people voting in the plebiscite vote in favour of it, then same-sex marriage will be legalised.” The plebiscite is expected to cost $160 million, a sum that many say will anger the Australian public. Australian Marriage Equality National Director, Rodney Croome says the Prime Minister needs to propose a free vote in Parliament as more efficient option. “Australians will not take kindly to spending $160 million on what is basically a very expensive opinion poll,” he says. “Clearly, divisions in Coalition ranks have not been smoothed over by the plebiscite proposal, so instead Malcolm Turnbull should allow a free vote in parliament. That way, Australia can quickly resolve this issue and move on.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 30th January 2016 - 10:35am