Tony Abbott puts same-sex marriage on back burner

Tony Abbott is under pressure to allow a vote on same-sex marriage. Photo / Getty

Federal MPs are unlikely to debate Labor's gay marriage bill before mid-August, if at all, after Prime Minister Tony Abbott indicated there were more important issues on parliament's agenda.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten on Monday introduced a private bill to allow same-sex marriage, replacing "man and woman" with the words "two people" in the Marriage Act.

"Our laws should be a mirror reflecting our great and generous country and our free, inclusive society," he told parliament.

"Our parliament should be a place where we make things happen, rather than sit back and let them happen."

The bill's introduction was described as a "momentous day" by same-sex marriage advocates, notwithstanding there are two similar pieces of legislation already before parliament.

"We can see the light at the end of the marriage equality tunnel," Australian Marriage Equality spokesman Rodney Croome told reporters in Canberra.

But Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm, who has his own bill before the Senate, was dismissive of Labor's move.

"It's the same as the Greens bill in the Senate. What's the point? We need one that will pass, not grandstanding," he tweeted.

Greens leader Richard Di Natale challenged Mr Abbott to put the issue on the agenda of a joint meeting of the coalition parties on Tuesday.

But the prime minister says his priority is getting the budget through parliament.

"I accept that same-sex marriage is a significant issue," he told reporters in Canberra.

"But frankly, this government's absolute fundamental priority ... is the small business budget boost."

With the government in control of the lower house and its selection committee, it's unlikely there will be any time for a parliamentary debate before the winter break in late June.

Mr Shorten's bill might not even get to a debate as Mr Abbott has previously said the Liberal party room won't discuss the issue until closer to a vote on a suitable bill owned by the whole parliament rather than by one political party.

Mr Croome said if Mr Abbott was serious about supporting small business he should back same-sex marriage, citing a US study which showed gay weddings could provide a boost to the Australian economy of between $161 million and $600 million.

Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays spokeswoman Shelley Argent travelled to Canberra on Monday carrying 40 kilograms of letters from members of the public to federal coalition MPs and senators, urging them to end marriage discrimination.

"This country is really tired of the procrastination," she said.

- AP