Editorial: Conscience vote say aye | 18 May 12 @ 06:00am

Federal politicians should be allowed to vote according to their personal beliefs on upcoming bills which change the Marriage Act.

The debate about same sex marriage cannot be lumped into “policy” along with budget spending or how we defend our country.

It is a personal matter for each individual to decide according to their individual beliefs and experiences.

Strange then that the Liberal Party - which claims not to be as constrained by party politics as Labor - should take this stance. And pity those Liberal politicians who will wrestle with their conscience as they vote along party lines.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott should have a change of heart on this at least.