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Australian PM dismisses same-sex marriage referendum idea
Highlights
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has dismissed the idea of a referendum on same-sex marriage in the country after Ireland voted in favour of amending the country\'s constitution on the issue.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has dismissed the idea of a referendum on same-sex marriage in the country after Ireland voted in favour of amending the country's constitution on the issue.
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"Questions of marriage are the preserve of the Commonwealth Parliament," reported ABC on Sunday citing the prime minister.
"Referendums are held in this country where there's a proposal to change the constitution," he said, adding: "I don't think anyone is suggesting the constitution needs to be changed in this respect."
Australian Capital Territory Liberal senator Zed Seselja said he did not support gay marriage, but there was a reasonable case for a referendum in the country.
"A vote by parliament is all that is needed and Tony Abbott should allow his party a (conscience) vote on the subject. Cupid doesn't discriminate and neither should the law," Seselja added.
With all votes from the country's 43 constituencies counted, Ireland has approved same-sex marriage with 1.2 million people voting in its favour.
At Dublin Castle, Returning Officer Riona Ni Fhlanghaile on Saturday declared that a total of 1,201,607 people (62.1 percent) voted in favour with 734,300 (37.9 percent) against, giving a majority of 467,307. The total valid poll was 1,935,907, Xinhua reported.
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