Who decides when and why there will be a conscience vote?

The leader and senior members of each parliamentary party decide if party members are allowed a conscience vote (also called a free vote) on an issue in Parliament. 

Parties may allow a free vote when the issue is personal, sensitive or is not part of the party’s official policy. Free votes have usually been about topics where people may have strong moral or ethical views, such as euthanasia or same-sex marriage.

Normally, members of parliament are expected to vote as a team. However, allowing a conscience vote gives members the freedom to make their own decision, rather than following the usual party voting rules.