Anti-Marriage Equality MPs Are Slowly Changing Their Stance

A conservative MP who will ~actually~ respect the outcome of the plebiscite.

When Julian Leeser fronted Liberal party pre-selection for the blue ribbon seat of Berowra back in April, he told the room of electors he was a firm believer in "traditional marriage".

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The former constitutional lawyer was among a very conservative field of candidates running to replace the retiring former Howard minister Phillip Ruddock, who had held the seat in Sydney's north since 1993.

One person in the room for the pre-selection told BuzzFeed News that Leeser made it clear to the room that he'd staunchly oppose marriage equality in the parliament.

"He also said that he'd vote according to the wishes of the [Berowra] electorate in the plebiscite," said the Liberal party source.

It's become a popular position among conservatives who oppose marriage equality ahead of the non-binding national vote some time later this year (or next). Backbench MPs such as Queensland's Andrew Laming and NSW's David Gillespie have recently said they'll wait to see how their conservative electorates vote before deciding whether to vote in parliament to legalise same-sex marriage.

But asked whether he'd vote against same-sex marriage, or abstain or vote according to his electorate (as he previously promised), Leeser said over text message, "If the country votes Yes I will vote to implement that result".

He added that marriage equality advocates should "accept" the result and consider the marriage equality issue "settled" if the plebiscite fails.

Leeser's language is much clearer than many others within the Liberal party on the issue. Treasurer Scott Morrison and deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop have repeatedly said they'll "respect" the outcome of the plebiscite, with neither willing to answer whether it means they'll vote for same-sex marriage if the vote succeeds.

Last week, another newcomer to the parliament, Liberal MP Tim Wilson rejected the suggestion that his conservative colleagues should be able to vote according to their electorates.

Wilson also said he will marry his partner if same-sex marriage is legalised in Australia.