Labor fails to bring on gay marriage bill

Labor MP Terri Butler has failed to bring on debate on her private bill to allow same-sex marriage.

Federal Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek Source: AAP

Federal Labor has failed to bring on a debate on same-sex marriage, with the government accusing the party of a "pathetic political stunt".

Labor MP Terri Butler on Wednesday tried to suspend parliamentary business to bring on debate and a vote on her private bill to enable same-sex marriage, which has cross-party support.

Leader of the House Christopher Pyne, who supports same-sex marriage, said everyone in Australia would have their say through a national plebiscite.