Dean Smith releases marriage equality bill as Liberals prepare for showdown

Liberal senator, who wants to see a free vote, warns colleagues a future Labor bill will not protect religious freedoms

As the Liberal party prepares for a showdown on the issue, Smith called for the party to allow a free vote, just as John Howard did when dealing with contentious issues including abortion drug RU486 and euthanasia.

Though a senator, Smith said it was important to the moral authority of the marriage bill that it was introduced into the lower house first…

Source: Dean Smith releases marriage equality bill as Liberals prepare for showdown | Australia news | The Guardian