Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has introduced to parliament legislation to set up a plebiscite on same-sex marriage, telling MPs society would be stronger if more people were married.
Mr Turnbull reminded them the plebiscite was a coalition election commitment they should support and respect because it was "thoroughly democratic".
"All of us have seen the way in which one discrimination or disadvantage for same-sex couples was removed," he said on Wednesday, adding marriage was the one issue that had not yet been addressed.
Mr Turnbull said he and his wife Lucy support same-sex marriage and would vote yes in the February 11 poll.
"If there was something we could do to make families happier, it would be a wonderful thing," he said.
"We know that the breakdown of the family unit is one of the great causes of hardship, of poverty, of so many of our social ills."
But he warned labelling those who oppose changing the Marriage Act as homophobic was "utterly wrong" and displayed "dreadful leadership" by MPs.
"It is vital that we respect all of those views in this debate."
Labor fears a no campaign could harm same-sex couples and children of same-sex parents.
But Mr Turnbull insists that insults the Australian people by implying they can't be trusted to have a civil conversation.
"That the Australian public are so immature, so unbridled, so reckless that they cannot be trusted to have a debate and make a decision on this issue."
"If ever there is an issue to be put to a plebiscite, this is one that can be, and should be, because it is a very straightforward question."
Mr Turnbull said the question of "should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?" was simple and did not presuppose any particular view.
He believes the majority of Australians will vote for same-sex marriage.
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