Marriage Equality Timing "Not Up To The Government", Says Minister

    It's not up to us, says government minister.

    Whether or not a marriage equality plebiscite happens this year is up to Labor, says special minister of state Scott Ryan.

    .@SenatorRyan says it's up to Labor to decide whether a plebiscite on gay marriage can happen this year #auspol https://t.co/IGLZCSPXfM

    The Australian Electoral Commission has indicated it will need approximately three months to adequately prepare for a national vote on marriage equality. However, legislation to enable the plebiscite must pass the parliament first.

    "The timing of that legislation will have a big impact on whether it can be held this year," Ryan told Sky News on Sunday.

    "Whether or not that bill is delayed or rejected by the parliament is not up to the government, we will bring it forward. It really will be up to the opposition," he said.

    "Will [Labor leader] Bill Shorten stand in the way of a public vote on this issue?"

    Earlier this month, Malcolm Turnbull hinted the plebiscite could be delayed by the parliament, but stopped short at explicitly placing the onus on Bill Shorten.

    "We have to obtain the support of the senate," he told 7.30. "We don’t even know who the senators will be at this stage."

    The plebiscite legislation should have no problems passing the house of representatives, given the Coalition’s slim majority.

    While senate results are yet to be declared, it appears to be possible that Labor, the Greens and Nick Xenophon senators could team up to block plebiscite legislation.

    However, while all three parties have criticised the plebiscite, none have committed to blocking the legislation.

    Shadow assistant minister for equality Terri Butler hit back at the government, asking "When do we see the proposed legislation?"

    They've been talking about a plebiscite since Abbott was PM. When do we see the proposed legislation? https://t.co/tGyE6YwJgw