Liberal MP Malcolm Turnbull asked Opposition leader Tony Abbott to allow coalition MPs to vote according to their conscience on the same-sex marriage bill. Mr Abbott has not ruled out a conscience vote, but said he will come out with a decision when he reads the legislation.

The Coalition policy is to leave the country's Marriage Act unchanged. However, the Coalition allows a conscience vote on every issue without risk of being expelled from the party for crossing the floor.

The Labor Party has allowed a free vote on gay marriages among its members. The bill, authored by Labor MP Stephen Jones, is expected to be presented to Parliament in early 2012 and targets to change Australia's Marriage Act.

Mr Turnbull discussed the vote with Mr Abbott privately. He represents the voting district of Wenborth in eastern Sydney where there is a strong support for gay marriage equality.

About 10 to 20 Liberal MPs are reportedly in favor of a conscience vote for both chambers of the parliament, but Mr Turnull has not committed to supporting same-sex marriage.

"Let's take one bridge at a time, I think everyone knows I am very committed to equality for same-sex couples but will be accountable to my constituents and speak in a considerable way," he said.

However, Liberal Deputy Senate Leader George Brandies is opposed to a Coalition conscience vote.

"My understanding is that there are a number of individual members of the Liberal Party who privately favour gay marriage, but my own sense of the mood of the party and the Coalition is that there would be a relatively small proportion," The Australian quoted Mr Brandis.

A conscience vote would likely result in a defeat of the proposed amendment of the Marriage Act.

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