Senator HANSON-YOUNG (South Australia) (15:43): I wish to make a short statement. The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator HANSON-YOUNG: I thank Senator Brandis for his government retort on this. I think it is absolutely important and totally in line with representing the views of my constituents in this place. Overwhelmingly Australians believe that their members of parliament should be able to vote freely on the issue of marriage equality. That has been heard loud and clear by many people in this place. I must say that I understand Senator Brandis has to follow Tony Abbott's line on this, but I was just trying to let him free. Question agreed to.