It has turned into a complex political and legal issue that has divided public opinion, but the Australian government says it is confident it has found a way forward.<br /><br />The ruling conservatives say they will make a second attempt this week to get the support of the Senate for a compulsory plebiscite on whether to allow same-sex marriage.<br /><br />But if it fails again, as many expect, the government says it will hold a non-compulsory ‘postal vote’ on the issue in November.<br /><br />Malcolm Turnbull, the Australian Prime Minister, made the announcement in a news conference. <br /><br />“All Australians will have their say,” he insisted. “They will get the opportunity to express their opinion on the issue of whether the law should be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry, fulfilling the commitment we made at the election.”<br /><br />The Senate, the upper house of the Australian parliament, rejected the government’s plebiscite plan last November and experts say unless there is a major upset it is likely to reject the government’s second attempt.<br /><br />Turnbull says the compulsory national vote is the government’s favoured option but the voluntary postal ballot would be used if that fails.<br /><br />But critics, including gay rights groups, have been urging the government to simply organise a conscience vote in parliament and let MPs decide on the issue themselves, to avoid divisive campaigning.<br /><br />Supporters of a plebiscite, however, argue that it is important that everyone has a right to have a say on the issue.<br /><br />It is estimated the cost of holding ‘postal ballot’ would be 122 million Australian dollars. <br /><br />Turbull’s Liberal Party, which has led a coalition government since July 2016, this week rejected calls to scrap the election promise of putting the issue to a popular vote.<br /><br />Alex Greenwich from the group Australian Marriage Equality told reporters: “There will be disappointment felt from coast to coast tonight in Australia as the government has yet again decided to delay, drag on and disappoint people with their decision today. <br /><br />“They had the opportunity to resolve this matter through a vote in parliament and they said ‘no’. They said ‘we’re going to drag this out.’ <br /><br />But there may be legal issues for Turnbull.<br /><br />Some experts have said that even the holding of a voluntary ballot by post might have to be approved by the Senate. <br /><br />There is also talk of a possible legal challenge by opponents who want a simple vote in parliament on the issue.<br /><br />Latest opinion polls show more than 60 percent of Australians, including the prime minister, support same-sex marriage. <br /><br />Turnbull said he respected the views of those against same-sex marriage but would vote yes in any vote and would encourage others to do the same. <br /><br />Civil partnerships or registered relationships are possible in most Australian states but they are not considered to be legally married.<br />
