Bridget McKenzie to oppose same-sex marriage regardless of plebiscite outcome

Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie will vote against same-sex marriage, regardless of $160m plebiscite outcome.

Bridget McKenzie said she would not be swayed by public opinion.

Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie has pledged to oppose same-sex marriage in parliament, regardless of the outcome of a $160 million plebiscite on the issue.

Senator McKenzie’s declaration today echoes the position of Liberal senator Eric Abetz, and defies senior Coalition figures who have committed to implement the people’s mandate.

Conservative Coalition MPs last August thwarted moves to allow their progressive colleagues a conscience vote, using their superior numbers to put the issue to a referendum for “the people to decide”.

Senator McKenzie said she would not be swayed by public opinion.

“As my voting record on this matter indicates in the Senate over the past four years, I would be consistent with my voting record … and my conscience on this matter is I would vote against same-sex marriage,” she said.

Greens senator Robert Simms said the Coalition split had exposed the plebiscite as “a total sham”.

“The idea that LNP Senators would advocate spending $160 million on a national plebiscite and then ignore the result is totally absurd. It’s a flagrant waste of taxpayer’s money and a slap in the face to the LGBTI community who would be exposed to a divisive hate campaign for nothing,” Senator Simms said.

“It’s time for Malcolm Turnbull to show some leadership and end this farce by bringing on a conscience vote when parliament resumes next week.”

Eric Abetz, a former member of Tony Abbott’s cabinet, yesterday expressed his view that the plebiscite’s result should not necessarily sway MPs to vote in parliament one way or another.

“Every member of parliament will make up his or her mind after the plebiscite is held. People will take into account the views of the electorate, the views of the nation and their own personal views,” Senator Abetz told Guardian Australia.

But Liberal minister Steven Ciobo, an opponent of same-sex marriage, yesterday cautioned all MPs to “think twice before they snub their nose at the view of the majority of Australians”.

“I think for anybody in politics ... to snub their nose at the viewpoint of the Australian people, which would be clearly expressed in a plebiscite, would be passing strange,” the International Development Minister told Sky News.

“I don’t know which direction it will go in ... but what I do know is at the end of that process we’ll have a clear point of view.”

Michael McCormack, a potential future Nationals leader, said he would vote to implement whatever decision the people made.