Party rules on gay issues: Turnbull
Malcolm Turnbull has sought to extinguish one of conservative Liberals' lingering doubts about his possible return to the party leadership - his support for gay marriage.
In an interview with ABC TV's 7.30 program last night, Mr Turnbull said he and Tony Abbott shared a "very close" position on the issue.
"Both of us believe the party room should decide whether there should be a free vote, a conscience vote," he said.
"Now the only difference is that Tony as an individual, not as a PM telling people what to do, as an individual member with the same vote as the newest backbencher, would vote against it.
"I, as an individual member with no more vote than any backbencher, would vote for it."
The socially conservative wing of the Liberal Party remains suspicious of Mr Turnbull's views on social policy including gay marriage, as it does with the former Liberal leader's previous support for pricing carbon.
Asked about the Prime Minister's qualities, Mr Turnbull described him as "a very intelligent, courageous, brave man, a very thoughtful guy" and said he had the confidence of the party room.
