Australia: Politician stands by decision to call for same-sex marriage plebiscite in Alliance Defending Freedom address
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 aren't the only test — but it's hardly self-evident that the 17 that have changed are right and that all the others are wrong. Not long ago, most gay activists rejected marriage as an oppressive institution. Now, they demand as their right what they recently scorned; they demand what was unimaginable in all previous times and still is in most places. They are seeking what has never been and expecting others to surrender what always has. It's a massive ask; for me, an ask too far."
Senator Cory Bernardi has said he would vote no on same-sex marriage even if the plebiscite result was in favour of change, as has Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie. Senator Cash said she would abide by the result of the plebiscite, no matter what the will of the people was.
She said her colleagues who have said that they would vote against a potential 'yes' result had to explain their position to the public.
"I am opposed to marriage equality, however should the Australian people vote in favour of it I will support the will of the Australian people. The Coalition colleagues who have said that to date are those who've been opposed to marriage equality, I think, all their lives. Again, we're elected as individuals with our own individual beliefs. If anyone believes that they cannot respect the will of the Australian people and, again, whatever that will is — it may be to not support marriage equality — and they don't believe that they can then exercise that in the parliament, they need to explain it to the Australian people."
