Conservative Aussie MPs to vote against potential public approval of same-sex marriage

Australian MPs have reignited debate surrounding the future of same-sex marriage, after conservative senators said they would vote against a potential bill even if it is approved in a plebiscite by the Australian public.

Conservative Senator Eric Abetz said on Wednesday that he would attempt to block the same-sex bill, while Senator Cory Bernardi also indicated he would not be voting in favor of the change, contradicting the view of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and potentially the Australian public.

Late last year, Turnbull said if a public vote came out in favor of same-sex marriage, he would bind his MPs to the 'yes' vote, therefore resulting in the legalization of marriage equality in Australia.

"The consequence of a 'yes' vote in the plebiscite will be that same-sex marriage will be legal in Australia," Turnbull said last year.

But on Wednesday, Bernardi said there was no way he would vote in favor of equality, even if the majority of the country was for it.

"Even if the public voted for (same-sex marriage), I wouldn't vote for it," Bernardi told Fairfax Media.

"It goes against what I believe in. This is a substantial issue and, in the annals of public policy, you want to be on the record about your views."

Meanwhile Abetz told The Guardian Australia that it was his belief the concept of marriage was between a man and a woman only.

"I would need to determine whether (the public plebiscite) really is an accurate reflection (of the national view), whether it is all above board or whether the question is stacked, whether all sides received public funding," he said.

"Everyone knows my view is very strongly that a marriage between a man and a woman is the foundational institution for socializing the next generation."

The controversial comments come as former, conservative Prime Minister Tony Abbott prepares to address an anti-gay marriage group in the United States.

The MPs' statements on Wednesday have received a backlash from fellow members, with one minister labeling the decision to "not respect" the results of a public vote as "bizarre."

Another said it would be a "passing stage" for an MP to defy and "snub their nose at the views of the Australian people."

The wording for a plebiscite question is currently under review in the Australian parliament, and is expected to be handed to the Attorney-General for approval later this year.