A former Liberal minister wants the people to have their say on legalising gay marriage, saying politicians don't have to make every decision.
Peter Reith, a minister in the Howard government, says the issue of same-sex marriage has the potential to split both major political parties despite there being a strong sense in the community that it's time for change.
Calling a plebiscite on the issue could break the impasse and end up being a bonus for Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Mr Reith told ABC radio on Tuesday.
Nationals MP George Christensen backed the call for a plebiscite on same-sex marriage, saying it was up to the people to decide once and for all.
Mr Christensen warned his colleagues to heed the party's policy of no change, warning rank and file members would be "a bit upset" if there was a free vote.
He dismissed claims Mr Abbott's leadership was in jeopardy over the issue, telling ABC radio it was "bulls***" and the prime minister had his 100 per cent support regardless of whether he changed his view.
Greens leader Richard Di Natale expects nervous liberal backbenchers to move on same-sex marriage in the run-up to the next election, given pressure from their constituents.
There would be the numbers to support the change in the senate, but they're "very tight" in the lower house, he told Sky News on Tuesday.
Senator Di Natale urged Mr Abbott to step out of the way and allow his colleagues to have a conscience vote.
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