Croome calls for same-sex free vote

A FREE parliamentary vote is the only way the Coalition will resolve deep divisions over marriage equality, says Tasmanian campaigner Rodney Croome.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull yesterday said the Federal Government’s policy for a plebiscite had not changed.

A row has erupted in Government ranks after senior minister Christopher Pyne reportedly signalled a renewed push for a free vote at a recent social function and said same sex marriage would come sooner than people thought.

“Friends, we are in the winner’s circle but we have to deliver a couple of things and one of those we’ve got to deliver before too long is marriage equality in this country,” Mr Pyne was recorded as saying.

The comments raised the ire of Tasmanian Liberal Eric Abetz.

“I simply encourage Cabinet ministers to live up to the responsibilities that come with the privilege of being in Cabinet,” Senator Abetz said.

The Liberal Party has a number of gay members of Parliament and same-sex marriage advocates who are believed to have been discussing ways to progress the issue after a six-week winter break.

WA Liberal senator Dean Smith reportedly said: “I personally believe that in this 45th parliament there should be a free vote on the issue of marriage. Definitely.”

Tasmanian Liberal senators have reaffirmed their opposition to same sex marriage.

Mr Croome said the Government was feeling pressure from the community to resolve marriage equality before the next election.

“A recent national Galaxy poll showed the Government will potentially lose office if it does not allow a free vote on marriage equality,” he said.