Liberal MP Tim Wilson admits the debate over a national vote on same-sex marriage proposed by his own party has been difficult.
"It's rare in this place that you debate something so intimate and personal as your own relationship, let alone putting it up for a public vote," he said.
The gay MP says his party's announcement of the planned plebiscite was emotional and took him back to the time he was coming to terms with his sexuality.
But he stands by the policy and when people ask him how he could in light of his personal circumstances he gives a simple answer.
"I am the Liberal member for Goldstein," he told parliament during a debate on the doomed plebiscite legislation.
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"I have a responsibility to discharge my duties to the people of my electorate and my party, not just myself."
Labor has vowed to oppose the plebiscite amid concerns it's expensive, unnecessary and potentially damaging to homosexual families.
Without crossbench support in the Senate, it's almost certain to fail.
Mr Wilson admits a plebiscite was not his first preference but insists it's not an illegitimate tool.
Take Ireland's referendum for example. Although he admits that had to happen to change the constitution - something not required in Australia.
Debate in Ireland was at times offensive and both sides disrespected each other, he said.
"No one would voluntarily go through the experience again," he said.
"But if people were asked whether they'd go through it again for the outcome, the answer would almost assuredly be yes."
That outcome - which legalised same-sex marriage in a country with a large Catholic population - was a moment of national unity.
Mr Wilson is disappointed Australia was "being robbed" of that moment by Labor.
He attacked Opposition Leader Bill Shorten for implying LBGTI Australians were too weak to cop criticism that could come in a debate.
"We are not victims and I take exception to him implying we are."
He believes Labor has conned Australians into thinking the issue can wait for years, given there's no plan B if a plebiscite fails.
"A plebiscite is not a call to silence, it is an opportunity," Mr Wilson said.
"It is a call for all of us to stand up for the type of country we want to be and I am always ready for that fight."
Nationals leader and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, who opposes same-sex marriage, accused Labor of using the issue as a political tactic.
"By it's very nature, the debate is happening right now," he said.
He respects Mr Wilson's views as "completely and utterly genuine" but different from his own.
"But both have moved to find ourselves in this position where there can be a resolve to this issue."
He concedes "if we're being honest" a plebiscite would lead to legalising same-sex marriage.
