Labor MPs won't have civil union free vote

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says there's no need for Labor to have a free vote on a civil partnership bill because everyone supports it.

Queensland's premier has commended the state's opposition for allowing their MPs a free vote on restoring civil unions, but says there's no need for her side to have the same opportunity.

Annastacia Palaszczuk says restoring state-sanctioned civil partnership ceremonies for straight and same-sex couples, which were scrapped by the former Newman government, would be one of her government's key priorities during next week's parliament sitting.

"It's party policy, but everyone supports it," Ms Palaszczuk said. "It's the right thing to do."

Deputy Opposition Leader John-Paul Langbroek said it was up to Labor whether it allowed its MPs a free vote or not.

However, he said he was surprised Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller, who had previously voted against same-sex civil unions, was now in support of the move.

"Now she's reversed her position about something that was supposedly a strong matter of conscience for her," he said.

"Now, because it was an election commitment, suddenly her conscience doesn't have the same view that it had in 2011."

Mr Langbroek said he would express his view at the conclusion of the debate.


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Source: AAP


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