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.