Division Description Changes — Bills — Plebiscite (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill 2016; Second Reading — 20th Oct 2016

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representatives vote 2016-10-20#3

Edited by mackay staff

on 2016-10-21 20:48:28

Title

  • Bills — Plebiscite (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill 2016; Second Reading
  • Plebiscite (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill 2016 - Second Reading - Agree with bill's main idea

Description

  • <p class="speaker">Tony Smith</p>
  • <p>The question is that the bill be now read a second time.</p>
  • <p>Bill read a second time.</p>
  • The majority [voted to agree](http://www.openaustralia.org.au/debates/?id=2016-10-20.9.2) with the [bill](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id:legislation/billhome/r5728)'s main idea. In parliamentary jargon, they voted to give the bill a [second reading](http://www.peo.gov.au/learning/fact-sheets/making-a-law.html).
  • The House will now discuss the bill in more detail before deciding whether to pass it or not.
  • ### What is the bill's main idea?
  • The [purpose of this bill](http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1617a/17bd022) is to make it possible for the government to hold a national plebiscite to ask Australians *"Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?"*
  • ### What is a national plebiscite?
  • The [bills digest](http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1617a/17bd022) explains that:
  • > *a national plebiscite is a vote by citizens on any subject of national significance but which does not affect the Constitution. Plebiscites are normally advisory and do not compel a government to act on the outcome. There have only been three national plebiscites—two on conscription during World War I (both defeated) and one on the choice of a National Song in 1977.*
  • ### Why don't some supporters of marriage equality support this bill?
  • [Several parties and independents](http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-29/same-sex-marriage-plebiscite-explainer/7794070) oppose this bill for two main reasons: cost and concern that a plebiscite could [harm members of the LGBTI community](http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-12/same-sex-marriage-debate's-impact-on-lgbti-people/7924480).
  • <p>Message from the Governor-General recommending appropriation announced.</p>