Australian prime minister leaves open possibility of future referendum on same-sex marriage
August 12, 2015
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Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said that his coalition government may agree to a national referendum on the question of same-sex marriage, but has ruled out that possibility before a new election.
Abbott said that his coalition remained firmly opposed to same-sex marriage. He added that any change to the legal definition of marriage should require a popular referendum rather than simply a vote in parliament. However he left open the possibility that his coalition would allow a nationwide vote, so that "if you would like to see change at some time in the future, the coalition is prepared to make that potentially possible."
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Further information:
- Tony Abbott flags plebiscite on same-sex marriage in bid to defuse anger (Sydney Morning Herald)
- Australian prime minister will resist bid to legalize same-sex marriage (CWN, 7/3)
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