Shorten reiterates to a Melbourne rally his promise to introduce a same-sex marriage bill within 100 days if Labor wins the next election

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Tony Abbott is forcing his conscience on the Liberal party and the Australian people, says the opposition leader, Bill Shorten.

Thousands attended a marriage equality rally in Melbourne where they heard Shorten reiterate his promise to make same-sex marriage marriage legal if Labor wins the election due next year.

“Within 100 days, I will introduce a law to have marriage equality and we will get it through this time,” Shorten said on Saturday.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Opposition leader Bill Shorten at a marriage equality protest in Melbourne. Photograph: Tracey Nearmy/AAP

Shorten said the prime minister had given into extreme rightwing voices in his party and denied his MPs the chance to vote with their conscience.

“He said he believes in a conscience vote,” Shorten said. “What he didn’t tell Australians is he believes in his own conscience and he will force everyone to agree with his conscience.”

The Greens MP Adam Bandt said Abbott should get out of the way and Australia could have marriage equality by the end of the year.

“I think Tony Abbott has decided to side with a minority in the Australian community who have a loud voice but doesn’t speak for the loving majority,” he said.