Marriage equality plebiscite likely to delayed

Marriage equality plebiscite likely to delayed
Image: Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on ABC's 7.30. Photo: ABC

LGBTI advocates are furious at the prospect that a public vote on marriage equality might not happen until next year.

During this year’s election campaign, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull continually promised if the Coalition stayed in power, the national plebiscite on same-sex marriage would happen before year’s end.

 However, last night on ABC’s 7.30, Turnbull revealed the plebiscite might not happen until early in 2017.

“We would like the plebiscite to be held as soon as practicable, but again, that will depend on when the legislation is passed,” he said on the program.

“If it is not held, you know, in the latter half of this year, and recognising that parliament will be sitting for the first time on August 30, then it would be held early next year.

“My commitment to have it dealt with as soon as practicable is there, but we … have to obtain the support of the Senate. We don’t even know who the senators will be at this stage.”

NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby co-covenor Chris Pycroft said further delays on legislating marriage equality are unnecessary.

“We’ve known for some time that the overwhelming majority of Australians support marriage equality, and each day that passes is another day where our community does not have the fundamental human rights we deserve,” he said.

“Delays in its passage, whether it be by a vote in parliament or a (unnecessary) plebiscite, will continue to put the lives of LGBTI people under scrutiny, something which is unfair and unjust.

“We call on the re-elected Turnbull government to commit to its election promise, and address this as soon as possible and put an end to the uncertainty.”

Australian Marriage Equality (AME) chair and Sydney MP Alex Greenwich said whether marriage equality is decided by a plebiscite or a vote in parliament, people still need to engage with their elected senators and MPs to deliver a parliamentary path to achieving marriage equality.

“We are working with people across the political spectrum to ensure we have a fair and consultative process for achieving marriage equality,” he said.

“All of us need to continue having conversations now to change the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life across the nation.

“All political leaders of the major parties back marriage equality because they recognise this issue is more than just an issue of equality as it’s about members of our families, friends, neighbours and workmates.

“We will continue to work to ensure the current cross party support is harnessed to achieve equality for all.”

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3 responses to “Marriage equality plebiscite likely to delayed”

  1. Linda, Section 51(xxi) of the Australian Constitution gives the federal Parliament the power to make laws about marriage. It does not say what marriage is or who can be married. A referendum is way way way over cooking the legal requirement for marriage recognition. The only requirement under the Australian constitution is a vote in both houses of parliament.

  2. Plebscites and parliament votes are not good enough – a referendum is the only option that I support. A referendum means the result becomes part of the Australian constitution.

  3. Turnbull has been neutered on marriage equality – Shorten would’ve had the legislation through parliament by the October long weekend.