Pyne rejects marriage referendum

Mr Brandis said he’s not sure whether that will happen at Monday’s cabinet meeting, its first since the coalition joint party room opted for a plebiscite or referendum over a conscience vote on same sex marriage.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has suggested the issue should be put to a national vote after the election but has not specified whether that would be through a constitutional referendum or a plebiscite.

Australia’s Prime Minister (PM) Tony Abbott received a wake-up call from Hollywood for his view on gay marriage.

In a video shared by BBC , the Australian Prime Minister said he respects the ongoing position for marriage equality but nevertheless does not share other people or other countries’ approval over the position.

But the glaring tactical flaws in this idea – the belief it would both stop the debate and could somehow stop same-sex marriage being an election issue – are so spectacular that even some of those close to Abbott are scathing. “I believe the best way to address this issue definitively, so all Australians can have their say, is to have a referendum”, he said in Adelaide on Friday. The outcome of any vote would depend on the makeup of the new parliament.

To be successful a referendum needs a national majority and the support of the majority of states.

Pyne himself would rather settle the matter in parliament instead of allowing the Australian people to vote on the matter. He says a special “cop on the beat” will clean up the construction industry and help boost investment and jobs.

But on Thursday afternoon, Attorney General George Brandis said Morrison’s support of a referendum was misguided.

Australians opposing marriage equality on religious grounds should take note of the court’s decision, which found that, “religions, and those who adhere to religious doctrines, may continue to advocate with utmost, honest conviction that, by divine precepts, same-sex marriage should not be condoned”.

He said the six-hour meeting gave all MPs the chance to have their say on an important issue and he was proud to see his colleagues remain respectful of opposing views throughout the evening.

Talking to the Star Observer last night at an AME fundraiser at the NSW (New South Wales) Parliament, Deputy Campaign Director Ivan Hinton-Teoh said: “We’re not supportive of a plebiscite in general, we don’t believe it’s necessary”.

The tactical success over gay marriage could prove politically costly as Abbott struggles to keep his footing following a series of perceived gaffes and amid a sagging economy.

While the party allows the freedom for backbenchers to vote against party policy, any minister who crossed the floor would be expected to resign from the frontbench.

This would be a national vote that would need an overall majority to succeed.