Australia’s PM under pressure over same-sex plebiscite
, News.com.au:
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is under increasing pressure over his proposed same-sex marriage plebiscite as he faces comparisons with his defeated British counterpart in the wake of the Brexit vote.
Thousands of marriage equality protesters took to the streets in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney on Saturday calling for the proposed plebiscite to be dumped.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten drew comparisons between Mr Turnbull and British Prime Minister David Cameron, who announced his resignation on Friday after having led the failed campaign for Britain to remain in the European Union.
Both men compromised their own beliefs to appease the right-wing of their divided parties through national votes they didn’t support, Mr Shorten said.
“David Cameron never wanted to have this referendum – sounds familiar, doesn’t it?” Mr Shorten told reporters in Townsville on Saturday.
“Poor old Mr Turnbull, he knows that this marriage equality plebiscite is not the right way to go.
“He is a weak man beholden to the right wing of his party.”
Reports suggest the prime minister is also facing pressure within the coalition, with a push to give conservatives permission to reject same-sex marriage legislation if their individual electorates return a majority “no” vote.
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