Detail exemptions before gay vote: Howard

Former prime minister John Howard says it's not good enough to detail provisions for religious freedoms until after a same-sex marriage postal ballot.

Former prime minister John Howard believes proposed religious exemptions should be outlined before the postal vote on same-sex marriage.

Mr Howard, who is campaigning for a no vote, says it would be a good thing to specify the provisions surrounding religious freedoms before people have their say.

"In fact, I think it's quite necessary," he told ABC radio on Thursday.