Lib backs same- sex marriage

A LIBERAL senator is about to reopen what has been a deeply divisive matter for the Coalition – same- sex marriage.

West Australian senator Dean Smith is working on a plan to end the “embarrassment” of the nation, and legalise same- sex marriage through a conscience vote in Parliament, defying his Government’s policy of a plebiscite.

Senator Smith, who is gay, says his private member’s Bill is well advanced and he intends taking it to the party room in the near future.

“The Bill is important because it will allow the Liberal Party to revisit the issue of marriage once and for all before the next election,” he said.

Last month Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull ruled out a parliamentary vote, even though he supports equality. That followed frontbencher Christopher Pyne telling supporters a change would come “sooner than everyone thinks”.