The Australian government said on Sunday it will hold a public vote on same-sex marriage later this year if it wins reelection. The decision comes a day after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull brushed aside criticism from staunchly conservative elements of his Coalition government to attend Sydney’s annual gay Mardi Gras parade. Attorney-General George Brandis said legislation would be pushed through parliament before the end of the year if the government voted in favor of approving gay marriage.
“We will be going to the election promising a plebiscite before the end of the year,” Brandis told Sky News. “I believe that marriage is one of the fundamental institutions of society and I think it’s important the fundamental institutions of society reflect the fundamental values of society,” he added. READ MORE
