Australian MP says government should introduce gay marriage in 100 days after election

PinkNews logo on pink background with rainbow corners.

Coalition MP Warren Entsch has called on the government to introduce same-sex marriage within 100 days of re-election.

Entsch, who has been an outspoken advocate of same-sex marriage, said the Turnbull-led Government should at least have a timetable in place for a public vote, or plebiscite, within the hundred days.

“Labor has made a pledge to implement same-sex marriage within 100 days, and I reckon we should be doing it within 100 days too,” Entsch said.

“I would like to believe, and I think we can do it, that we have the question finalised and the timetable known prior to the next election,” he said.

“I will be working with him [Turnbull] on that,” he went on.

Malcolm Turnbull, who is perceived as a moderate, took over as Prime Minister last week after his party voted to oust Tony Abbott – a strong conservative and opponent of same-sex marriage.

As a vote in Parliament loomed last month, Mr Abbott put plans in place for a plebiscite (public vote) on equal marriage. His actions averted a showdown on the issue, but also caused a lengthy delay – as the plebiscite will not take place until  2017.

New PM Mr Turnbull has affirmed his support for the plebiscite, but equality activists have urged him to consider dropping the plans – and instead allowing a simple free vote to go ahead in Parliament.

Opinion polls have found an overwhelming public majority in favour of same-sex marriage, leading activists to criticise the planned plebiscite as a stalling tactic.

 

Comments (0)

MyPinkNews members are invited to comment on articles to discuss the content we publish, or debate issues more generally. Please familiarise yourself with our community guidelines to ensure that our community remains a safe and inclusive space for all.

Loading Comments