PM Julia GIllard walks to ABC studios in Parliament House, Canberra, to appear on this morning’s Insiders program. Picture: Ray Strange Source: News Limited
PRIME Minister Julia Gillard says the success of gay marriage laws is reliant on conservative parties giving their MPs a conscience vote.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has dismissed speculation he might change his stance and allow his MPs a conscience vote on the issue after the September federal election.
New Zealand and France legalised same-sex marriage last month, and NSW Liberal Premier Barry O’Farrell recently called on Mr Abbott to allow federal MPs a free vote on the divisive issue.
Ms Gillard, who also opposes same-sex marriage but has allowed Labor MPs a conscience vote, says attitudes are changing.
“When we look around the world and those countries that have moved towards same sex marriage, the key factor is that politicians have had conscience votes, including on the conservative side of politics,” Ms Gillard told ABC television today.
“Look at New Zealand. Prime Minister Key … a conservative, sister political party of the Liberal party here, he gave his people a conscience vote. That’s what we need to see done in Australia.”
Ms Gillard said the issue of gay marriage “does matter to many Australians” and Mr Abbott had an obligation to be clear about where he stood on the issue.
“I’m clear about my position and about how my members are allowed to vote,” she said.
“I think the leader of the opposition owes people the same courtesy.”
Author: AAP
Publication: Herald Sun
Publication Date: May 5 2013