Could Australia see referendum on same-sex marriage?
Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Wednesday announced the Coalition will look at holding a plebiscite or referendum on same-sex marriage to solve the issue once and for all.
This is despite having argued against holding a referendum on the issue and saying parliament was instead the best forum for the issue to be resolved in May this year after people in Ireland voted in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage.
Earlier this week, the PM threatened to sack or demote ministers who decide to vote in support of marriage quality after lawmakers from Australia’s ruling Liberal and National parties have blocked their colleagues from voting with their consciences.
On Wednesday, Abbott suggested the issue should be put to the public through a national referendum following the next election, warning people not to ‘underestimate the magnitude’ of legalizing same-sex marriage.
He said a popular vote on the issue was justified because it was such a ‘personal’ and ‘contentious’ issue that has only recently gained widespread support.
‘Please, let’s not underestimate the magnitude of this as a cultural shift,’ he was quoted as saying in the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘Never before in this country or anywhere until very recently has this been regarded as an appropriate cultural norm.’
Social Services Minister Scott Morrison suggested a full constitutional referendum on the question of how to define marriage.
He said on ABC’s 7.30 program on Wednesday night that a referendum to change section 51 of the constitution would provide the opportunity for both sides of the debate to be put to the Australian people.
‘Where we got to the other night was to say that this question really ultimately, fundamentally is one that should be determined by the Australian people.’
‘The question at the next election is about who will decide this matter on the other side of the election and our view is the Australian people should decide that, not politicians, not judges, but the people of Australia.’
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has slammed the suggestion saying a national referendum would waste millions of taxpayers’ dollars and accused Abbott of being out of touch.
‘I think that millions of Australians will have woken up this morning, bitterly disappointed with Mr Abbott,’ he told Channel Seven.
‘I don’t understand for the life of me what Mr Abbott has against marriage equality. We shouldn’t have to wait for a referendum which by the way will cost tens of millions of dollars.’
‘I think Mr Abbott just needs to move with the times.’
According to the Australian Electoral Commission, if a referendum were to go ahead it would cost taxpayers an estimated A$121 million.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said in statement on Thursday that while a plebiscite is not ‘our favoured option’ but should there be one, ‘it has to be a fair question and a proper process so it can’t be hijacked by the opponents of marriage equality.’
‘We believe marriage equality is best dealt with by a cross-party free vote in parliament, but if there is to be a public vote we believe today’s proposal is the best model.’
He added that he is confident that a properly regulated plebiscite would return a resounding ‘yes’ vote for marriage equality.
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Sylvia Tan
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