Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says motion for conscience vote on same-sex marriage would probably succeed

Updated

Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says he believes many of his Liberal colleagues are now in favour of same-sex marriage.

Mr Frydenberg told Radio National this morning that a motion for a conscience vote was likely to succeed if it was put to the party room.

"I think people come to the table on this issue with different religious positions, different moral positions, different ethical positions," Mr Frydenberg said.

"That's why I think they should be allowed to express a conscience vote and, if they are, many people would probably express a view in favour of gay marriage.

"I think there is [a shift in favour]. I can't put my finger on what the numbers would actually be because I haven't had those discussions with my colleagues."

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull shared calls for the party to have a free vote.

"If there was a free vote, subject to the detail of the legislation, I would support a proposal to legalise same-sex marriage," Mr Turnbull said.

"There has been a big shift in the global context.

"There is no doubt, at some point this matter will be dealt with."

The comments came as Liberal Democrat senator David Leyonhjelm said he was unlikely to bring on debate on his same-sex marriage bill in the Upper House today.

If you look at the history of movements like this, I think we could predict that in some years' time, whether it's just a few years' time or just a number of years' time, gay marriage I think will be part of the way of life here in Australia Josh Frydenberg

Senator Leyonhjelm tried to pressure the Liberal party room to take a position on a conscience vote this week, but that did not eventuate.

The Coalition opposed a push to change the Marriage Act in the last Parliament.

Senator Leyonhjelm said he wanted to give the matter sufficient time for debate.

"The Liberal Party didn't come to a decision as to its position on a conscience vote, so that debate would be somewhat artificial," Mr Leyonhjelm said.

"It will be months before it's debated again.

"For me to make my second reading speech now, when I can't make another one later in the debate, would be a bit of a waste, although I have a very good speech ready."

The Liberal Democrat has already introduced the draft legislation to legalise gay marriage.

Labor MPs have previously been able to cast a conscience vote on the issue.

Same-sex marriage a matter of time: Frydenberg

Mr Frydenberg said his position in favour of same-sex marriage had been influenced by personal stories from people in his electorate.

"I had grandparents with gay grandchildren come to see me and say, 'Why can't they be allowed to marry somebody that they've been in a loving long-term relationship with?'" Mr Frydenberg said.

"I've had two women come to see me who clearly have a great deal of love for each other, and have been in a long-term relationship, and the meeting ended in tears, and that meeting did have an effect on me.

"A lot of people have come to see me with very passionate views the other way as well, and I've also taken that into account."

Mr Frydenberg said he believed community attitudes were changing in Australia, falling into line with countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand.

"If you look at the history of movements like this, I think we could predict that in some years' time, whether it's just a few years' time or just a number of years' time, gay marriage I think will be part of the way of life here in Australia," he said.

Topics: government-and-politics, federal-government, community-and-society, lgbt, marriage, australia, act

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