Political editor Tory Shepherd is for it, Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi is against it. Watch as the two debate it out.

CONSERVATIVE Senator Cory Bernardi has engaged his lawyers over remarks reportedly made by his colleague Warren Entsch that he is "obsessed" with gay marriage.

Asked this morning what he thought about his Liberal colleague's remarks in the media today that he seemed to be protesting too much on same-sex marriage, the South Australian senator said he could not respond at this time.

"I have no comment as the lawyers are having a look at it," Senator Bernardi told News Corp Australia via text.

OPINION: LOVE IS WHAT A CHILD REALLY NEEDS

"I have learned never to have public spats with colleagues who speak of books they haven't read.

"It's generally a waste of time."

Asked if he would sue Mr Entsch for defamation, Senator Bernardi said: "I have no comment".

It was reported today that Mr Entsch was outraged over comments Senator Bernardi made in his new book and on television earlier this week regarding gay marriage, abortion and traditional family structures.

Mr Entsch indicated that Senator Bernardi might have been protesting too much on gay marriage, telling Fairfax Media: "It worries me. You've really got to watch out for those that have these obsessions. He who protests the loudest …''

The Queensland MP, who has previously held leadership roles in the Coalition such as chief opposition whip and parliamentary secretary, also took personal offence at comments from Senator Bernardi that only a biological mother and father were best to raise a child.

Mr Entsch, who is a stepfather, reportedly said he loved his stepdaughter more than anything and would do anything for her.

News Corp Australia has contacted Mr Entsch for comment but is yet to hear back.

Meanwhile another Liberal MP, Russell Broadbent, told News Corp Australia today he believed there would be more public spats between his colleagues this year as the debate over gay marriage heats up.

News_Module: NND Bernardi Quotes Infographic iframe

"There is a full-on political battle being waged by two sides within the party at the moment and that is what we are seeing here," Mr Broadbent said.

"There is going to be more of this."

Party elder Phillip Ruddock urged his colleagues to deal with their disputes privately.

"I don't believe it is helpful for either men (Senator Bernardi and Mr Entsch) to be discussing these things in this way," Mr Ruddock told News Corp Australia.

Senator Bernardi, who previously served as a parliamentary secretary to Tony Abbott while he was opposition leader, stepped down from the role after linking same-sex marriage to bestiality in late 2012.

He was previously seen as one of the party's rising stars.

###