Senate debate kicks off

KEY conservative MPs say they are open to supporting samesex marriage in Parliament as debate on the legislation began in the Senate yesterday.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton flagged a debate on religious protections next year, separate from the gay marriage vote.

West Australian Liberal senator Dean Smith introduced the legislation into the Senate in the morning, and said it was possible to allow gay marriage while protecting religious freedoms.

Resources Minister Matt Canavan said he “hoped” he could support the bill as Queensland had overwhelmingly backed gay marriage.

But he said the majority of Australians also wanted “to see strong protections for religion and human rights”.