Australian government commits to gay marriage vote this year if it wins election

Australian MP Ian Hunter (L) holds hands with his partner Leith Semmens during their wedding in the town of Jun, southern Spain, in this file photo dated December 19, 2012. REUTERS/Pepe Marin

(Reuters) - The Australian government said on Sunday it will hold a public vote on same-sex marriage later this year if it wins reelection.

The decision comes a day after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull brushed aside criticism from staunchly conservative elements of his Coalition government to attend Sydney's annual gay Mardi Gras parade.