Tony Abbott's Sister Hasn't Lost Hope; Says, Same-sex Marriage Would Soon Be Legal In Australia

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott's sister Christine Forster reportedly predicts that same-sex marriage would soon be legalised in the country. In fact, she believes it would receive its legal nod by the end of the year.

Ms. Forster is a lesbian, and has time and again shown her displeasure with her brother, Mr. Abbott’s view on the subject. Meanwhile, Ms. Forster proposed to her partner Virginia Edwards in 2013, now waiting for her brother to give a go ahead for a referendum on gay marriage, which would perhaps allow the two to marry.

The day same-sex marriage gets its legal node, would be the proudest moment of Ms. Forster’s life, Prime Minister’s sister emphasised. She said, it is appropriate to expect reforms taking place under the leadership of Prime Minister, Mr. Abbott. "At the end of the day I'm sure he will understand that this is good and fair for everybody and it will be great for Australia," she added.

After Ireland’s overwhelming response in favour of same-sex marriage, Mr. Abbott was asked about the possibility of a similar referendum in Australia, to which, he vehemently denied, claiming referendums can only be held for constitutional changes. But soon after opposition leader Bill Shorten confirmed that his Labor party would move a bill to legalise same-sex marriage, activists working in favour of the cause started hoping for a positive change.

Ms. Forster, a Liberal Councillor for the City of Sydney, described the Irish referendum as a watershed moment. While she also knows her brother's personal views on the issue have not changed.

"The Irish decision, watching what unfolded in conservative Ireland ... to see that astounding result ... that would have told any thinking opponent of this reform that it is inevitable in a developed Western democracy like Australia," she said.

Ms. Forster said she did not think her brother, who happens to be the country’s Prime Minister would campaign against the change. "It's not up to Tony to allow or disallow anything. There will be a debate and there will be a decision made by the party room," she added.

Though the views of the senior politicians carry weight over others, the opinion of the leader is considered above all, however, there would be a discussion, which will gather a wide range of views on the subject.

Ms. Forster assured that she would marry her partner only when the law is changed in the country and she is confident that her brother would attend the wedding.

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