Australian PM Tony Abbott counsels against gay marriage law, says senator

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Photo / AP

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott counselled a senator against introducing a same-sex marriage bill because it could cause more trouble for the government, the senator says.

Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm, a key cross-bencher on Australia's Senate, told reporters: "His argument was that the government's got enough troubles without this one coming along."

Mr Abbott had made plain his opposition to legalising gay marriage during a recent meeting with the senator about his private bill, due to be introduced to parliament on Wednesday.

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The prime minister's preference was for the bill to be abandoned, rather than allow it to proceed once coalition MPs were allowed a conscience vote, Senator Leyonhjelm said.

Mr Abbott conceded no ground on allowing a conscience vote during the meeting.

But Senator Leyonhjelm thinks there's enough support inside the coalition for one to occur.

"There's some people I think will become quite vocal if they're not allowed a conscience vote," he said.

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull was among those who support a free vote, he said.

A private bill legalising gay marriage, sponsored by Labor MP Stephen Jones, was defeated in 2012.

Senator Leyonhjelm believes the government is more likely to be open to a bill brought by a libertarian.

He intends waiting for sufficient support before seeking a vote.

The bill will allow non-government religious and civil celebrants the right to refuse to marry gay couples.

The Greens say they will vote for marriage equality and urged Mr Abbott to allow a conscience vote.

Comment was being sought from the prime minister.

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- AAP