Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has agreed to pass legislation to legalize same-sex marriage, if the public votes in favor in a plebiscite, reports Pink News.
Abbott, an opponent on same-sex marriage, refused to give members of parliament (MP) a free vote on the issue, but has agreed to hold a plebiscite or referendum after the next election.
Warren Entsch, a Liberal MP who has introduced a bill for same-sex marriage, said he had received a guarantee from the Prime Minister, the report continues.
“It’s already been committed by the prime minister that whatever that people’s vote is, even though generally it is not binding to government, we have made a commitment,” Mr Entsch said.
“Whatever that vote is, we will legislate accordingly.
In July, one of Australia’s leading research companies, Crosby/Textor, released a survey of 1,000 Australians regarding their views on marriage equality.
The survey showed support for marriage equality is at its highest level ever at 72 percent. The survey also showed majority support in every demographic, including people of faith, people in regional and rural areas and older people.
