The Australian government’s proposal to hold a national vote on legalising same-sex marriage has been defeated in the upper house of parliament.
The authorities said a non-binding vote, or plebiscite, was the fastest way to amend the Marriage Act.
Same sex couples can have documented relationships in many Australian states or civil unions but they are not considered married under national law.
Opinion polls reveal that most Australians support same-sex marriage.
Nonetheless opposition parties and many supporters of same-sex marriage claimed a plebiscite would be expensive and could unleash a divisive campaign.
Rather, they say the choice should be made itself by parliament.
The proposal’s defeat in the senate means the problem will be taken off the agenda at least until the following term of parliament.
Union equality has proved a tricky problem for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
