The ABC’s Stephanie Anderson reports (6.3.16) on federal Attorney-General, George Brandis’s, announcement that, if re-elected, the coalition government would hold a public plebiscite on the issue of same-sex marriage by the end of this year.
However, as reported on the ABC later the same day, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull refused to commit to the deadline.
‘Same-sex marriage could be a reality in Australia by the end of the year, contingent on the result of two public votes.
‘The Federal Government will hold a plebiscite on same-sex marriage by the end of the year, if re-elected.
‘Attorney-General George Brandis confirmed the timing for the public vote today, adding it would be legislated by the end of the year if the public voted in favour of change.
‘Senator Brandis told Sky News he believed the plebiscite would be carried, meaning that if the public voted yes, Parliament would follow.
‘But he said it would be understandable if some politicians maintained their stance against the change.’
- Federal Government to hold plebiscite by year’s end if re-elected »
- Same-sex marriage plebiscite may not be held this year, Malcolm Turnbull’s office says »
- Same-sex marriage: Labor, Greens call for Government to dump ‘costly, pointless’ plebiscite »
- Gay marriage: No Cabinet consideration on plebiscite public vote, six months after Government commitment »