The push for change was defeated by 66 votes to 33 following a six-hour, marathon debate of Liberals and Nationals and effectively ends any chance of gay marriage being legislated during this term of Parliament. But it was much closer between Liberals. Of the 79 Liberals who spoke, 33 wanted a free vote…Only three of the 21 Nationals support gay marriage and their presence swayed the numbers heavily against allowing a conscience vote.
There were bitter fights between Minsters. Eric Abetz and Michaelia Cash said ministers who supported gay marriage should resign their positions. Senator Abetz contended that gay men didn’t really want to get married and pointed out that Italian fashion designers Dolce & Gabbana never wed.
Mr Turnbull said Cabinet should have discussed the issue first while Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the refusal to change policy to a conscience vote flew in the face of the spirit of the party’s founder, Robert Menzies.
Julie Bishop said the party should have been debating climate change…Joe Hockey backed a referendum on gay marriage after the next election…Christopher Pyne, George Brandis, Marise Payne, Michael Keenan and Simon Birmingham were also among 16 ministers who spoke in favour. Another 14 spoke against, including Scott Morrison.
And how about those leaks! And from The Australian:
…Regardless of the outcome on a conscience vote and a bill to introduce gay marriage, Coalition MPs fear Mr Abbott and cabinet ministers are drifting to defeat when they need to act to restore the government’s fortunes.
Liberals noted that Mr Abbott had promised to lift his performance six months ago, when he survived an attempted spill, and now had to show an improvement.
“He’s been given his chance, he hasn’t succeeded. This time cabinet has to take the initiative,” one MP said.
Yeh, but the party now appears so divided between the loon pond and moderates that I’m not sure it can come together at all.
