Judith Ireland | The Age | April 20, 2013
Pressure mounts for a conscience vote on same sex marriage. Photo: Dallas Kilponen
Liberal MPs are quietly lobbying to change the party’s position on same-sex marriage to ensure a conscience vote on the issue, but are not pushing for a result before September’s federal election.
MPs are privately raising concerns with Opposition Leader Tony Abbott about the Coalition’s stance against same-sex marriage, but are aware that any major push to alter the party’s position before the election could damage its campaign.
There is also a view that the party room is not yet ready to back a conscience vote and if MPs were forced to make a decision before September, it would lock in a status quo position.
But supporters are optimistic that post the election, the chances of the party room agreeing to a conscience vote would be boosted by new MPs in the parliament and growing support within Liberal ranks.
It understood that the number of MPs who currently support a conscience vote is significantly greater than those who have publicly stated their position, such as communications spokesman Malcolm Turnbull, South Australian senator Simon Birmingham and Melbourne MP Kelly O’Dwyer. It is also understood that when the matter last went before shadow cabinet, the decision was close.
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