Tony Abbott has ruled against a conscience vote for same-sex marriage

Toni Johnson, member of GLBTI group Hume Phoenix, said a Coalition party room meeting on Tuesday could “waste years”.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott ruled out a conscience vote for Coalition members on the legalisation of same-sex marriage for the remainder of the party’s term.

The marathon meeting lasted five and a half hours and Liberal and National party members voted 66 to 33 against having a free vote on marriage equality.

Ms Johnson said she was hoping same-sex marriage would be legalised this year. 

“It’s a bit disheartening and I think there should definitely be a conscience vote,” she said.

“It could have been put through this year – that’s what we were all hoping for and now it has been put off a bit longer.”

Ms Johnson believed it was only a matter of time until Australia legalised same-sex marriage, after Ireland and America did so earlier this year.

The advocate said one day she hoped to get married but she was more frustrated for her daughter.

“I have a daughter in a same-sex relationship and I want her to have the same rights as everyone,” she said.

“I fight for her.”

The Hume Phoenix group have lobbied Farrer MP and minister Sussan Ley to support same-sex marriage.

“We will keep lobbying and doing what we can towards Sussan Ley because she needs to acknowledge us and the community of Albury-Wodonga,” Ms Johnson said.

“If she supports us in this she will be remembered for supporting equality.” 

Ms Ley would not reveal how she voted in the Coalition party room.

“I will honour my long held commitment that I do not comment on the private details and interactions of our party room meetings,” she said.

However, Liberal ministers Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop have spoken publicly about the issue. 

Ms Ley said she always encouraged a respectful and polite discussion on the issue.

“A consensus position was subsequently reached amongst Coalition MPs and these numbers accurately reflect the significant feedback I have received during my consultation with a variety of voices across Farrer,” she said.

“I also believe it’s important to acknowledge the constructive way forward the Prime Minister has indicated for our parties, following the next election.

“These options offer individuals a free vote, whether it be put to the parliament or directly to the people of Australia.”

Ms Ley said she looked forward to having further discussions with other party members and the Farrer electorate. 

The Border Mail understands 40 Coalition backbenchers voted to keep the party’s policy the same while 20 voted to change it.

Ministers voted evenly.