Friday, February 25, 2011

Australian opposition leader holds firm against same-sex marriage

Tony Abbott, the leader of Australia’s opposition coalition, has indicated that he will not swerve from his opposition to legal recognition of same-sex marriage. 

After a “candid discussion” with proponents of same-sex marriage, Abbott said that he would oppose the initiative. 

He conceded, however, that at some point in the future he might support a “conscience vote” on the issue, allowing legislators to cast their votes without respect to party discipline. 

For now the opposition is not disposed to allow a conscience vote.

Abbott, a practicing Catholic, has frequently encountered criticism from liberal Australians for espousing political positions that are in accord with Church teachings.