Same-sex marriage plebiscite bill blocked by Australian Senate
07.11.16
The Federal Government’s bid to hold a plebiscite on whether to legalise same-sex marriage has been defeated in the Senate.
Key points:
- Public vote on same-sex marriage rejected by Parliament
- Labor, Greens say plebiscite would have sparked hatred towards LGBTI community
- Nationals MP says Coalition will not have conscience vote on issue
The proposal was voted down on Monday night in the Upper House 33 votes to 29.
The Attorney-General George Brandis had warned a defeat would result in delaying same-sex marriage in Australia for years to come.
But the Federal Opposition says the plebiscite would have resulted in harmful debate against the gay and lesbian community and want a direct vote in Parliament, instead.
