INDEPENDENT MP Cathy McGowan has joined the growing call for action on the same-sex marriage issue when federal parliament resumes this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A long-time supporter of marriage equality, Ms McGowan’s vote could be crucial if the matter is dealt with by the parliament.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has called a special meeting of the Liberal Party on Monday in a bid to end an internal impasse on the issue.
A small core of Liberals are pushing for a parliamentary vote, but more conservative party elements including former PM Tony Abbott are wanting the government to stay true to its pre-election commitment of a plebiscite.
Ms McGowan said the issue had dragged on too long.
“My first preference has always been for a conscience vote by the parliament on marriage equality,” she said.
“In the absence of a conscience vote last year I agreed to support the plebiscite, but that option was also set aside.
“I reiterate my call from last October that all parties to come together in good faith to respectfully discuss the process from here.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the government and the opposition to resolve the issue as quickly as we can.”
Last year Ms McGowan banded with fellow cross-benchers Andrew Wilkie and Adam Bandt in a bid to have the issue debated in parliament.
My first preference has always been for a conscience vote by the parliament on marriage equality
- Cathy McGowan
In her first term as an MP, Ms McGowan joined forces with Liberal and Labor MPs for a cross-party bill to legalise same-sex marriage.