Push for Marriage Vote in Australia

Prime Minister Julia Gillard of Australia is hearing calls for a conscience vote on marriage equality following a poll that shows the an overwhelming majority supports the move.

According to the The Sydney Morning Herald, "The Galaxy poll for two gay rights groups also found rising support for marriage equality, with 62 per cent of Australians backing reform, up from 60 per cent last year. The release of the polls on Friday marks the launch of a new community campaign for a conscience vote by Australian Marriage Equality and Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)."

The Greens introduced a marriage equality bill on the first day of the new parliament, and Independent MP Andrew Wilkie supports the proposal. He said he would not withdraw his support for government over the issue, but he would consider a coalition proposal for marriage equality.

The Herald reports that "Ms. Gillard has ruled out giving her MPs a conscience vote on the issue, and said it remains 'a big if' as to whether the Greens bill would ever reach the House of Representatives."