Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who is pro-gay marriage, replaced Tony Abbott, who was against gay marriage in late 2015. Turnbull’s re-election campaign then involved promises to hold a plebiscite on gay marriage, which helped him get re-elected.
But now a parliament coalition that includes Senator Nick Xenophon and his team, the Labor Party and the Green Party have jointed together to block any effort at a plebiscite in parliament. This adds up to 39 voted ranged against a plebiscite, which is one more than enough to block it. This essentially kills the possibility of a plebiscite for the next three years and beyond, unless labor wins the next election. By then, new rules will make it difficult for parliament to allow a conscience vote (as opposed to being required to vote in step with the MP’s party). Senator Xenophon said, “This is a matter that the Parliament can and should decide on as a free vote of all members and senators.”
Without a national ballot or referendum, however, there would be no vote put to Parliament, according to a government minister. Malcolm Turnbull cannot jeopardize his leadership by pushing for a gay marriage plebiscite without the support of parliament. Nor can he push parliament to vote the matter without a plebiscite and renege on his campaign promises to the voters. His hands are tied.
This means that for the time being gay marriage isn’t going to happen in Australia unless a backdoor method of holding a plebiscite is used. Such an avenue exists, but is probably unwise, and would create chaos for the government as this would bypass parliament and would put the government offside with key parliamentary leaders.
Sometimes the complexities of government get in the way of agendas that would further degrade moral principles such as same-sex marriage. Its one more tool the angels have to hold back the winds of strife, giving more time to God’s people to bring their lives into line with Christ and receive the seal of God. Kudos Australia!
“And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” Revelation 7:1-3.