Mr Whiteley joins independent Senator Jacqui Lambie in calling for a referendum-style vote on the issue.

Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has introduced a private member’s bill for marriage equality following the successful vote in Ireland at the weekend.

Mr Whiteley said on Wednesday while his position had not changed on marriage being between a man and a woman, he would accept the vote of the people.

‘‘The vote of a nation will be necessary to settle this matter in the eyes of the community not just the vote of the parliament,’’ Mr Whiteley said.

‘‘The push by some in the Parliament to seemingly accelerate the legalising of same-sex marriage fails in my view to carry the goodwill of the community,’’ he said.

But Lyons Liberal MHR Eric Hutchinson said the role of elected representatives was to amend and review legislation.

‘‘I’m absolutely convinced that a referendum would be the wrong mechanism to deal with this issue,’’ Mr Hutchinson said.

‘‘I don’t have a strong personal view but the opinion of those who do should be respected,’’ he said.

Labor has been calling on Prime Minister Tony Abbott to allow members to have a conscience vote on the issue.

Estimates by marriage equality groups show Canberra is just one MP away from gathering enough support to  pass a same-sex marriage bill through both houses.

Mr Abbott said that any decision ought to be owned by the Parliament and not by any particular party.

Bass Liberal MHR Andrew Nikolic said the party always had a conscience vote.

‘‘That is a fundamental difference between us and the Labor Party, which has Stalinist rules that expel those who vote against their party’s position,’’ Mr Nikolic said.

‘‘If this matter appears as an issue in our party room, we’ll discuss it and decide our policy position,’’ he said.

The left faction of Labor has been pushing for same sex marriage to be removed as a conscience issue, making support compulsory.

WHAT YOUR MEMBERS THINK:

Denison independent MHR Andrew Wilkie: ‘‘All that’s needed is for the Parliament to make a simple amendment to the Marriage Act and that’s what should be done and done quickly.’’

Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck: Supports a conscience vote but won’t be supporting a change to the definition.

Labor Senator Lisa Singh: ‘‘It’s time we made this happen.’’

Labor Senator Catryna Bilyk: Supports a conscience vote, but is opposed to same-sex marriage.

Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie: Wants a referendum but believes marriage is between a man and woman.

Franklin Labor MHR Julie Collins: ‘‘I supported marriage equality when it was debated in 2012 and I will vote in favour again should I have the opportunity.’’

Greens senators Peter Whish-Wilson and Christine Milne: Support same-sex marriage and a conscience vote.

Labor Senator Carol Brown: ‘‘I look forward to the debate in Parliament where I hope we see legislation for marriage equality passed.’’