Smith to press on with gay marriage bill
A LIBERAL senator is pressing ahead with a bill to allow same-sex marriage, labelling the government’s plebiscite policy “divisive” and aimed at delaying change.
West Australian senator Dean Smith will be among Liberal MPs attending a special party room meeting in Canberra on Monday, convened to discuss a way forward on the historic change to marriage laws.
Senator Smith (pictured) said allowing Liberal MPs a free vote in parliament on same-sex marriage was in line with the tradition of Robert Menzies and John Howard.
It also delivered on a key party principle – equality before the law for all people.
“The time is now for a parliamentary vote on same-sex marriage,” he told Sky News.
The public had lost confidence in the idea of a plebiscite, describing it as a “tool for delay”.
Liberal colleagues have flagged the idea of a postal vote, which would not require parliament to pass a bill and would be cheaper.
Senator Smith said there were too many unknowns with postal votes, including the cost and the “very real consideration” of a legal challenge.
He dismissed claims it was a test of Malcolm Turnbull’s leadership.
“Malcolm Turnbull will continue to be the leader up until the next election,” he said.
“This is not Malcolm Turnbull’s test. This is a test of every member of the parliamentary Liberal Party.”