Former PM says he was head-butted

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s prime minister on Friday urged restraint in the nation’s same-sex marriage debate after a former prime minister who gave the people a direct say in the divisive issue said he was head-butted by a gay rights advocate while walking in a city street.

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he sustained a swollen lip in the attack in the Tasmania state capital Hobart on Thursday as he walked to his hotel after attending an antigay marriage luncheon.

The altercation is one of several allegations of violence and vote-rigging that have marred an ongoing postal ballot on whether Australia should lift its prohibition on gay marriage. Australia and Ireland are the only countries to put the issue to the public to decide.

Abbott remains a government lawmaker and is a vocal advocate for the “no” vote. The two-month voting process began last week.

He reported to police that a man pretended to want to shake hands before clashing heads. The assailant fled after a brief scuffle with a lone Abbott staffer on the scene.

“It’s a shock to have a fellow Australian seeking to shake your hand turn a handshake into an assault,” Abbott told reporters.

“There is no doubt that there has been some ugliness as part of this debate, but I regret to say that nearly all of it seems to be coming from one side and that is the people who tell us that love is love,” he added.

Tasmania Police Commander Tony Cerritelli said detectives were looking for a 40-year-old suspect of medium build, with spiky, fair hair and nose and ear piercings. He was wearing a “vote yes” badge and black leather jacket.

Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull, a gay marriage supporter who replaced Abbott two years ago, said he had contacted the Australian Federal Police commissioner to urge that the assailant be charged with assault.