The Coalition has proposed a nationwide vote on same-sex marriage after the election, while Labor has said it will legislate through the parliament within 100 days if elected.



Morrison told ABC Radio National's Breakfast program that "if the plebiscite carries, the legislation should pass".



"If the plebiscite does not carry, then I would expect that that is the end of the matter,” he said.



“Regardless of what people say about what should be the right answer here, the plebiscite is a way for us to make this decision as an entire country and I’m happy to respect the decision that the country makes on this.”

Most supporters of same-sex marriage, including lobby group Australian Marriage Equality, would prefer to deal with same-sex marriage via a parliamentary vote instead.

The proposed plebiscite came under scrutiny last week when prime minister Malcolm Turnbull confirmed not even cabinet members would be bound to vote to legalise same-sex marriage if a "yes" vote was returned.