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PM to push for conscience vote on gay marriage

Published: November 06, 2011

Prime Minister Julia Gillard

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Prime Minister Julia Gillard will defy a push by Labor party Left faction powerbrokers for a formal position on gay marriage by backing calls to offer MPs a conscience vote, reports news.com.au.

Senior ministers are declaring their support for gay marriage as the ALP prepares to back a free vote on same-sex marriage laws.

A conscience vote on gay marriage is now the expected compromise at the ALP conference in December.

The Left will still push for a clear statement of support for gay marriage in the ALP platform, but with the Right faction split on the issue a conscience vote is most likely.

Finance Minister Penny Wong, who is expecting her first child with partner Sophie Allouache, wrote on the Rainbow Labor website: "I will be supporting change in the party's stance for marriage equality at the ALP's National Conference."

However, the Australian Christian Lobby said the Prime Minister would break an election promise if laws are brought before this parliament because, during a taped interview, she vowed not to change the position.

FULL STORY

Prime Minister Julia Gillard seeks conscience vote on same-sex marriage (news.com.au)

PHOTO CREDIT

Image from the Prime Minister of Australia's website 

 

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Recent Comments

  1. It will be interesting to see if the left leaning church groups oppose the Labor Party when it eventually goes down the Gay Marriage path.
    To date, the support has been unwaivering but this path is totally against Church teachings.

    Posted By: David

  2. If the matter is to be decided in the federal parliament then a conscience vote is the lesser of two evils.
    But why not a referendum so that we can all consult our consciences?
    A referendum would compel us all to face the issue and live with the consequences of the type of society we would be choosing.

    Posted By: DRC

  3. Just how do we support by the 'Natural Law' for the prime minister and others to defend marriage and family -allegedly the foundation of the community and government.
    While there are good reasons to allow 'gay' unions to be recognized -but I fail to see marriage is the vehicle - seems modern medicine and access to pregnancy and image of 'family' are the reasons. We, if we fail to give Julia and others, real social arguments to defend marriage and family,we will be guilty of their demise!

    Posted By: bill deen

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