The much-anticipated announcement of the government’s position on same-sex marriage raised more questions than it answered. By rejecting a free vote on same-sex marriage for Coalition MPs during this term of parliament, the government ensured that Australia will continue to be the only developed English-speaking country in the world where marriage is an exclusively heterosexual institution.

72% of Australians believe that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry, according to a 2014 poll. The government’s position is out of step with the Australian population. So what is the way forward? Prime Minister Tony Abbott raised several possibilities: a referendum, a national vote, a court challenge, and parliament. Let’s consider each of them. Read More