Democratic Labor Party (DLP) Senator John Madigan has called for a referendum to be held on whether the definition of marriage should be changed to include same-sex couples.
Senator Madigan told the Senate on June 20 that he would introduce legislation that, if passed, would result in a public vote on the issue.
On the same day, legislation moved by the Greens to recognise overseas same-sex unions in Australia was rejected, with parliamentarians voting 44-28 against the bill.
Senator Madigan said it was important for the Australian people to have their say on the divisive issue.
“The will of parliamentarians does not necessarily reflect the will of the people,” he said.
“Quite frankly, the definition of marriage is something that cannot be left to the will of the parliament.
“It is for this reason that I have notified that I will be introducing a bill calling for a referendum to alter the Constitution and confirm that marriage is the union of a man and a woman, to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”
The Victorian politician said the Australian public deserved to influence the definition of such an important institution.
“Marriage is a cornerstone of human society, predating any religious or political system,” he said.
“If we can have a referendum on things like local government, we deserve to have a referendum on officially defining this institution in our Constitution.
“I believe that this is an issue that every Australian should have a vote on. That is why I am calling for a referendum.”
Liberal Senator and Applecross parishioner Chris Back told the parliament why he opposed the recognition of foreign same-sex marriages in Australia.
“The coalition made an undertaking to the Australian people in the 2010 election that we would support the existing definition of marriage,” he said.
“Having made that undertaking, we are not going to vary it.
“The people of Australia can be very clear about where the coalition stands.”
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recently added further weight to the call for a referendum.
He challenged Tony Abbott to allow Liberal Party members a conscience vote on the issue, and said if Mr Abbott refused he would look at other options such as a referendum.