Same-sex
Supporters of gay marriage wave the rainbow flag after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the U.S. Constitution provides same-sex couples the right to marry at the Supreme Court in Washington June 26, 2015. Reuters/Joshua Roberts

Liberal MP Warren Entsch has pushed for progress on same-sex marriage in Australia, encouraging Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to amend the Marriage Act but leave it to a plebiscite to ratify any changes.

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott had promised a plebiscite after the next election before he was replaced by Turnbull. However, details were not specified.

Entsch, a strong same-sex marriage advocate, noted that his plan to trigger legislation would empower more Australians to vote on same-sex marriage under the Marriage Act. According to AAP he said, "(If) they vote 'Yes', there is no further process, there is no further debate in the parliament.”

A plebiscite is generally not binding, but Entsch is pushing to make it a law. However, Australian Marriage Equality spokesman Rodney Croome has stepped out with concerns over whether it is constitutionally possible to bind the next parliament to that of the current one. Nationals senator Matt Canavan agreed with Croome, but said he understood the importance of giving Australians an idea on who they would be voting for.

Entsch’s proposal was axed by cabinet minister Eric Abetz and other conservative coalition MPs, who described the proposal as an “ambush.” Labor senator Doug Cameron called the proposal a “bit bizarre” and said that a plebiscite was not necessary as the Parliament can decide for themselves and for the people.

The proposal will be taken to a joint meeting of the coalition before it is forwarded and considered by the cabinet.

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