If the majority of Australians support same-sex marriage in a plebiscite it will be made legal, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has vowed.
His pledge comes as some conservatives MPs and senators flag their right to a conscience vote in parliament, potentially ignoring the will of voters.
"If the majority of people voting in the plebiscite vote in favour of it, then same-sex marriage will be legalised," Mr Turnbull told 3AW on Friday.
Cabinet minister Michaelia Cash said coalition colleagues who bucked the public's will would need to explain their decision.
Senator Cash opposes same-sex marriage but says she would vote to legalise it should that view be supported in a plebiscite.
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"(But) let's slow down because we're nowhere near the vote being taken yet," she told reporters in Queanbeyan.
