Gillard to Announce Support for Conscience Vote on Marriage

Australian prime minister Julia Gillard could announce her support for a conscience vote on marriage equality as soon as this Monday.

The Daily Telegraph cited "government sources" in reporting the development Friday. Gillard is expected to announce her position before the Labor Party's national conference in December, when some delegates will push to change the party's platform to support same-sex marriage.

Gillard, who personally opposes marriage equality, is not expected to change her own position. However, her call for a conscience vote could defuse the heat of the debate at the national conference.

According to the Telegraph, a marriage equality vote would face uncertain prospects in parliament, with many conservative lawmakers opposed.