An advocate of same-sex marriage believes there is still a chance Australia's marriage laws could be changed within a year, despite Opposition Leader Tony Abbott's reluctance to grant Coalition MPs and senators a conscience vote on the proposal.
Australia Marriage Equality national convenor Alex Greenwich said public and political support was growing for the legalisation of same-sex marriage and he believed Mr Abbott could be forced to grant Coalition MPs a conscience vote on the issue.
''I think there's a real chance we will have reform in the next 12 months,'' Mr Greenwich said.
''There's two reasons for that. First, the strong public support for reform and acceptance and tolerance of same-sex couples.
''And two, Tony Abbott's stance and the Coalition's stance is going to be viewed as prolonging an unnecessary and divisive debate.
''He can end this now and I don't think he wants this to still be lingering if he wins the next election.''
Mr Greenwich said Labor had reversed its opposition to same-sex marriage and the Coalition might permit a conscience vote.
''Tony Abbott's stance was the stance that many people within the Labor Party had just six months ago but they've now amended their platform,'' Mr Greenwich said.
''We're still hopeful he will allow his MPs the ability to reflect the strong public support for reform.''
Mr Abbott said all Coalition members had been elected on a platform of supporting the traditional view that marriage was between a man and a woman.
''Our clear party position, marriage is between a man and a woman. Now, every single member of my Coalition was elected on that position and I don't think we can break faith with the electorate,'' Mr Abbott told Sky News.
The possibility of a free vote being granted to Coalition MPs would be discussed by the shadow cabinet and the party room but he was conscious of the promises that had been made to the public before the election.
''We all went to the election with that position and, as I said, sure, you can always say, 'Well, the times, they are a changing', but if you are going to keep faith with the electorate, you seek a new mandate,'' Mr Abbott said.
''You don't just say, 'Oh well, I'm sorry, I've changed my mind'.''
Labor MP Stephen Jones intends to introduce a private member's Bill into Parliament next year to amend the Marriage Act to permit same-sex marriages.
Mr Jones said he hoped all MPs would use the Christmas break to reflect on the issue.
''Every vote in Parliament is a conscience vote. We've all got to consider our votes when we make decisions in Parliament and I see this one as no different,'' Mr Jones said.
''I think every Member of Parliament has a bit of time over Christmas to spend some time with their family, reflect on the issues and ask themselves a question about equality.''
This reporter is on Twitter: @pjean01
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