Labor’s apparent intention to block the same-sex marriage plebiscite bill has been bolstered by an Essential poll that shows if it is blocked a majority of voters want a free vote in parliament. According to an Essential poll, released on Tuesday, 53% of voters say if the plebiscite is blocked there should be a vote in parliament, compared with 29% who say there should not be. Even Coalition voters approve of a free vote in parliament if the plebiscite is blocked, with 46% in favour and 38% against. Q&A: Magda Szubanski rounds on Turnbull over same-sex marriage plebiscite Read moreThe results suggest that the slim majority or plurality who support a plebiscite in opinion polls do so at least in part because they view it as the quickest way to achieve same-sex marriage and many would switch support to a parliamentary vote if a plebiscite is not possible. Brandis: Coalition can negotiate with Labor on same-sex marriage plebiscite Read more“The intolerance and bigotry shown to those who want to stick up for the traditional view of marriage is extraordinary,” he said.

Source: The Guardian September 20, 2016 03:41 UTC