Decision needed on marriage vote: Brandis

Australians should be able to vote on legalizing gay marriage, and the government is expected to decide soon on how to resolve the issue, according to Attorney-General George Brandis.

Senator Brandis, the country’s top law officer, has gone to considerable lengths to point out that the issue should most properly be dealt with by a plebiscite.

Cabinet ministers Joe Hockey and Scott Morrison have called for a referendum on same sex marriage.

‘So the right way to test public opinion on this issue, given that it doesn’t raise a constitutional question, is to have a plebiscite, ‘ he said.

Mr Brandis said that could come in the form of a plebiscite at the next election.

Ireland backed marriage equality in a May referendum, and the U.S. Supreme Court in June recognized same-sex unions.

However, within three hours Prime Minister Abbott slapped down both ideas.

The division came as Liberal MP Warren Entsch prepares to introduce a cross-party marriage equality bill tomorrow.

Justice Minister Michael Keenan said when parliament returns on Monday the government will continue to focus on the things that are important for the future of Australia.

“I think that is the government’s strengths, so we are very good at that, because we have a plan to do all of that”, he told Network Ten.

“We absolutely believe that it will be the people’s decision”, he said.