The West Australian Nationals have embraced a conscience vote on same-sex marriage, informing the gay marriage movement that, unlike the Nationals federally, they will push for a free vote on the issue if any of them are elected in a week.

The Nationals WA moved a motion at their state conference in York this month to allow a conscience vote on same-sex marriage. They say the Nationals WA candidates in O’Connor (Chub Witham), Pearce (Craig McAllister), Durack (Shane Van Styn), Forrest (Michael Rose) and Canning (James Forsyth) and in the Senate will all have a chance to vote according to their own values.

Author: Patricia Karvelas
Publication: The Australian
Date: 30 August 2013