Government frontbencher Eric Abetz has defended penning a sternly-worded letter rebuking Hobart City Council for expressing support for gay marriage.
In the letter, dated June 17, the Tasmanian senator says the council's resolution "undermines the important social institution of marriage" and has nothing to do with the priorities of ratepayers.
"It should be of no surprise that I support Liberal party policy (on the issue)," Senator Abetz said in a statement on Friday.
It comes a day after the minister suggested frontbenchers who wanted to cross the floor in parliament over the issue should resign, and that allowing gay marriage would open a "Pandora's box" and potentially lead to polyamory.
In the letter, Senator Abetz reiterates his opposition to changing the definition of marriage and that a conscience vote on the issue would be "unhelpful".
He wrote that children deserved the best possible start in life and that could only happen with traditional marriage.
"I trust future correspondence from council will deal with matters that actually fall in the purview of council's responsibilities," he wrote.
