Opinion: George Christensen 'on record' to vote yes

George is now on record as saying he will vote yes but only as long as adequate protections are in place, or may abstain, writer says

Letter: I BELIEVE I have never come out in defence of George Christensen but in the wake of the Same Sex Marriage survey outcome I feel the need to do so.

As far as I am aware, George said prior to the results being announced his position was he would be guided by what constituents in his Dawson electorate said.

Now that the outcome in Dawson is a 55.1% YES vote it seems that some are saying this binds George to vote accordingly.

George is now on record as saying he will vote yes but only as long as adequate protections are in place, or may abstain.

This is consistent with George's previously stated position, and consistent with the fact that the parliament- ary vote on the issue is a free one and is open to the conscience of individual members and senators.

Accordingly, nothing in the survey outcome is binding on George...it is ultimately a decision only he can make...and it is ultimately a decision for electors in Dawson to reflect on at the next election.

His decision may not be one with which I agree but I am prepared to defend his right to decide in accordance with his conscience.

Neil Francey, Mackay

Originally published as Opinion: George Christensen 'on record' to vote yes