Australia: Politician stands by decision to call for same-sex marriage plebiscite in Alliance Defending Freedom address
The ABC Australia (the Australian Broadcasting Network) is reporting that "Former prime minister Tony Abbott has stood by his decision to call for a plebiscite on same-sex marriage , despite calling the potential change a massive ask". Mr Abbott said whatever the result of the public vote, the subsequent action of the Government would have "authority". He said the decision should be made by the whole people, not just the Parliament . "This is the best way to decide something that's so important but so personal: it's to let the people decide. The decision, whichever way it goes, will have their authority." Mr Abbott made the comments during an address to the US -based Alliance Defending Freedom ( ADF ), which is strongly opposed to same-sex marriage. The "pro-family member of parliament" cited the 17 countries that adopted same-sex marriage, saying more than 175 countries retained the traditional definition. "I know that numbers...