Turnbull pressured to vote against gay marriage

The Liberal member for Wentworth, Malcolm Turnbull, will vote in line with his Coalition colleagues against the legalisation of same-sex marriage.

Mr Turnbull told The Age that he would “vote in accordance with the collective decision of the shadow cabinet”.

Opposition leader Tony Abbott has confirmed he will not allow his party a conscience vote on the issue.

A vote against gay marriage will have implications for Mr Turnbull within his electorate, which includes Darlinghurst, Kings Cross and Double Bay.

A survey conducted by his office showed more than 72 per cent of Wentworth residents support the full legalisation of gay marriage, while a further 17 per cent are in favour of civil unions.

The electorates surrounding Wentworth are represented by Labor Left MPs Tanya Plibersek in Sydney, Peter Garrett in Kingsford-Smith, and Anthony Albanese in Grayndler.

All three have said they will vote in favour of legalisation.

Wentworth resident and Labor supporter Alex Hamilton said Mr Turnbull is “incredibly popular” within the gay community.

The Liberal MP has developed a broad following of social progressives for his perceived liberalism on such matters.

His firm stance on republicanism and climate change has given rise to expectations that he would also fight for same-sex marriage within the Coalition.

“He’s doing what every parliamentarian has to do: abide by the collective decision of his caucus,” Mr Hamilton said.

There is still a chance that dissenters within the Coalition will prevail in scoring a conscience vote.

It is generally understood that frontbenchers Joe Hockey, Christopher Pyne and Greg Hunt are among those agitating for the party not to bind.

It is generally not permissible for a cabinet minister to cross the floor, but if they crossed together it would tie Mr Abbott’s hands. Expelling almost half the front-bench is not a viable option.

Mr Hamilton said marriage equality “isn’t necessarily” a vote-changer in his electorate.

“All moderate Liberal members will bleed votes over this, but whether it will be to a significant extent I’m not sure,” he said.

Last week Kevin Rudd’s sister Loree, who lives in the South-East Queensland town of Nambour, quit the ALP because of its endorsement of gay marriage.

She told newspapers that while she supported gay rights, “to say homosexuals’ relationship is marriage” would be “breaking a commandment of Moses”.

It was noted that Ms Rudd remained in the ALP even when her brother was ousted as Prime Minister.

By Michael Koziol