Politics Behind the Plebiscite: Why the Liberals Had to Move Now

For passionate voices on both sides of the debate, the same sex marriage issue is about high principles including both religious and secular views of human relationships. 

At another level, it tells us a lot about the political process, and the inelegant way politics sometimes handles matters of conscience.

The manner in which the same sex marriage issue will be managed owes as much to politics as it does to any of the other principles involved.

• Hope Media Statement about the Marriage Law Debate

However it came about, Open House takes the view that seeking the views of the Australian people is a good outcome, and that all people should take advantage of this rare opportunity.

In the days leading up to the (7 August 2017) Liberal Party Room meeting that voted overwhelmingly to retain the plebiscite policy,  Open House gained an exclusive insight into some of the pressures facing the Government on this vexed question from the Federal President of the Liberal Party, Nick Greiner.

This interview sheds a light on the difficulties faced by political parties, especially those in government, in managing highly contentious issues that involve both politics and religious beliefs.