Australian Prime Minister pushes for public vote on marriage equality

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has reaffirmed his support for a public vote on same-sex marriage, despite heavy opposition from other political parties.

While the Labor Party, the Greens and two independent senators in Australia all agree with equal marriage, they argue that a public vote will cost too much, and could lead to a rise in homophobia.

Turnbull has now urged the Labor party to back his plans, as his party do not hold majority control in the Australian Parliament. However, Labor plan to submit a bill to try and bring about same-sex marriage without a public vote. Labor Party leader Bill Shorten said: “[Deputy] Tanya Plibersek and I have given notice to the Parliament that we intend to introduce a private member’s bill to make marriage equality a reality – without an expensive and divisive plebiscite”.

While the majority of the Australian parliament supports same-sex marriage, the row over how to make it a reality could see Australian equal marriage delayed even further.