‘Cupid Doesn't Discriminate’ But Australian PM Does, He Rules Out Same-Sex Marriage Referendum

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott isn’t inspired by the recent referendum on same-sex marriage in Ireland; he has reportedly dismissed the idea of a referendum on same-sex marriage in his country.

In a historic referendum, more than 62 percent Irish have approved amending the nation’s constitution to allow gay and lesbian couples to take legal wedding vows. The verdict also made Ireland the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage through a popular vote.

In Brisbane on Sunday, when the Prime Minister was asked whether Australia was warming up to a similar idea, to which he replied, "There are a range of views inside the parliament, there are a range of views inside my party room, frankly there are a range of views inside my family."

The Black Sheep In The Family

However, Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s sister Christine Forster is a lesbian, and is definitely not happy with her brother’s view on the subject. Ms. Forster proposed to her partner Virginia Edwards two years ago, now waiting for her brother give a go ahead for a popular verdict, which would allow the partners to marry. She said, she would like to see something more coming from the current PM of the country, who also happens to be her brother.

Mr. Abbott did admit that most of his family members support his sister’s view on the matter. He later added, "Inside the Abbott family I'm probably the last holdout for the traditional position."

Opposition Raises A Question Too

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, who supports a marriage equality for Australia, said the Prime Minister must explain why the government is not taking any steps towards a change. If Ireland can embrace such a historic change, what is stopping Tony Abbott’s government, he asked.

The Important Perspectives

Though ACT Liberal senator Zed Seselja doesn’t favour same-sex marriage outrightly, believed, there was a reasonable case for a referendum in Australia.

Meanwhile, Australian Greens’ Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said in a statement: "Cupid doesn't discriminate and neither should the law."

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