Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison has weighed into the debate over same-sex marriage, saying advocates for traditional marriage have also endured hatred and bigotry.

Key points: Penny Wong has argued a plebiscite on same-sex marriage would incite homophobia

Penny Wong has argued a plebiscite on same-sex marriage would incite homophobia Scott Morrison says he has also endured bigotry from people who disliked his views

Scott Morrison says he has also endured bigotry from people who disliked his views The PM says he will continue to support a plebiscite

The comments followed a speech by Labor frontbencher Penny Wong overnight attacking the Coalition's plan to hold a plebiscite on gay marriage.

She argued that a national vote on same-sex marriage could stoke hatred and homophobia, and incite bigotry against families like hers.

"I oppose a plebiscite because I do not want my relationship, my family to be the subject of inquiry, of censure, of condemnation by others. And I do not want other relationships, other families, to be targeted either," Senator Wong said.

The Coalition indicated it may provide taxpayer funding for advocates on both sides of the argument when it holds the plebiscite.

Senator Wong argued that could unleash homophobia and hatred in the community.

"Not one straight politician advocating a plebiscite on marriage equality knows what that is like. What it is like to live with the casual and deliberate prejudice that some still harbour," she said.

But Mr Morrison said he had also endured bigotry from advocates of same-sex marriage who disliked his stance against change.

"I understand the concern that Penny is raising I know it from personal experience, having been exposed to that hatred and bigotry for the views I've taken from others who have a different view to me," Mr Morrison said.

"Frankly people of very strong religious views have been subject quite dreadful hate speech and bigotry as well, it's not confined to one side of the debate."

But the Treasurer said he remained confident the Australian public could conduct a civilised debate on the issue if a plebiscite was held.

"I have a bigger view of the Australian people more broadly … I think the best way is for us all to have a say on this deal with it and move on," Mr Morrison said.

Turnbull firm on plebiscite solution

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Mr Morrison's comments were unwelcome.

"I do accept that people of faith do get a hard time sometimes ... and people of religious faith are entitled to respect," he said.

"But what I don't understand is why the Treasurer of Australia feels the need to drive across two paddocks, cross three rivers and get to a bridge, to talk about Penny Wong's remarkable speech."

However, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he would stand by the Coalition's plan for a plebiscite.

"The big difference, I think, between me and Mr Shorten on this is that I respect the common sense and the values and the decency of the Australian people," Mr Turnbull said.

"I respect the people that I serve enough to believe that they can have a civil conversation about this issue. Mr Shorten plainly does not."

Bernardi takes swipe at PM

Liberal senator Cory Bernardi has also weighed into the same-sex marriage debate today, accusing his leader of giving "implicit support" to the claim that he is homophobic.

Senator Bernardi said Mr Turnbull chose to "appease the baying crowd". ( ABC News: Matt Roberts )

On Monday night's episode of Q&A, Mr Turnbull was asked by host Tony Jones whether he had spoken to Senator Bernardi about his previous comments on same-sex marriage, to which Mr Turnbull replied "yes, I've had firm discussions with a number of colleagues".

Senator Bernardi has taken issue with this statement, saying it was unfortunate that Mr Turnbull did not correct the record and instead chose to "appease the baying crowd".

"By saying he'd had 'firm discussions' with 'a number of colleagues', Turnbull gave implicit support to the claim that myself and other Coalition MPs are 'homophobic' and implied that he'd had a conversation with me about 'homophobia'," he wrote in his weekly newsletter.

"For the record I have never had such a conversation with any of my colleagues because they know that any such claims cannot be backed with facts."

Senator Bernardi said while he was opposed to legalising same-sex marriage, he was not homophobic, a term he said had been levelled at him hundreds of times without any factual evidence.