Tony Abbott fires up on same-sex marriage

TONY Abbott has inflamed the same-sex marriage debate, accusing government MPs considering crossing the floor of launching a “serious attack” on Malcolm Turnbull’s leadership.

Tony Abbott has accused government MPs of launching a “serious attack” on Malcolm Turnbull’s leadership. Picture: Hollie Adams

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TONY Abbott has inflamed the same-sex marriage debate, accusing government MPs considering crossing the floor of launching a “serious attack” on Malcolm Turnbull’s leadership.

The former prime minister said ditching the government’s commitment to a plebiscite would be “a real breach of faith” with the public and an “absolute vote loser”.

He said he didn’t see why the government couldn’t take the plebiscite policy to the next election, and warned MPs who wanted a free vote to think twice. He said marriage should “protect” women and children, and he would be “very reluctant” to change its definition.

It comes as momentum grows in the government for a postal plebiscite. Mr Turnbull dodged ­questions on Wednesday, again ­affirming the government was committed to a public vote on same-sex marriage.

“That’s our policy and it has not changed,” he said.

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Queensland Coalition MP Warren Entsch, a leading marriage equality advocate, said he wanted a free vote and ­believed he had “every right to be able to express a view”.

He slammed conservative MPs who had made anonymous threats to those in the government who were considering crossing the floor.

“If you are going to make those sort of threats, put your name to it and have the courage to stand up for what you claim to believe in,” he said.

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