Rebel government senators have unsuccessfully tried to condemn the use of gender-inclusive language across the defence force and private sector.
Queensland Nationals senator Barry O'Sullivan moved a motion on Thursday, asking the upper house to note recent reports that the Australian Defence Force stopped has using gender-specific pronouns.
It also took aim at the Victorian government encouraging people to not use gendered pronouns and Qantas' policy to stamp out "gender-inappropriate" language used by staff.
Liberal frontbencher James McGrath said the government supported free speech but couldn't support the motion because of factual inaccuracies.
But that didn't stop a slew of conservative coalition senators including Eric Abetz, Amanda Stoker, Jim Molan, John Williams, Ian Macdonald and Lucy Gichuhi breaking ranks.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Senator O'Sullivan's motion, which was defeated 33-12, called for a rejection of overhauling longstanding language use.
He wanted to condemn "crusading" governments, activists and corporate leaders trying to enforce a specific "world viewpoint on linguistics and social policy".
Defence Minister Marise Payne voted against the motion, along with cabinet colleague Simon Birmingham.
Greens senator Janet Rice said none of Senator O'Sullivan's examples presented a threat to anyone's freedom of speech.
"It's only a matter of time before gender inclusive language becomes the norm," Senator Rice said.
Senator O'Sullivan has crossed the floor on a handful of Senate votes during this sitting week, his first since being demoted to an unwinnable position on the Queensland LNP's upper house ticket.
