THE Abbott government’s decision to deny its members a conscience vote on gay marriage has been greeted with “extreme disappointment” by local same-sex couples.
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Prime Minister Tony Abbott yesterday warned that any Coalition frontbencher who crosses the floor to vote in favour of same-sex marriage will be sacked from their portfolio.
Tamworth’s Sarah Mayo and Lucy McCowen admitted the Coalition’s support for retaining the status quo came as little surprise, given Mr Abbott’s long-held personal views.
The duo, who held a wedding and commitment ceremony in March last year despite it having no legal standing in Australia, say they believe gay marriage is inevitable.
“I think I knew in the back of my head there was a pretty good chance that they would end up doing this, but I had my fingers crossed – and my toes crossed – that they would just let it happen,” Ms Mayo said.
“I don’t see what the hold-up is. There are no arguments (against same-sex marriage) that are justified anymore, so I just feel like it’s (Mr Abbott’s) personal opinion that’s stopping it and we all have to abide by it.”
Mr Abbott said a re-elected Coalition government would put the issue to a vote of the Australian people, either through a referendum or plebiscite.
“A referendum would be great, because I believe Australia would vote ‘yes’. I feel that the support is there,” Ms Mayo said.
New England MP Barnaby Joyce, who does not support gay marriage, reportedly voted against Coalition members being able to vote freely when the bill comes to Parliament.
