Not a single complaint has been lodged under emergency provisions rushed through Parliament to protect Australians from vilification during the debate over same-sex marriage.

The revelation appears to quash arguments from some conservatives that the laws threaten free speech, but also raises questions about whether the safeguards were necessary.

Special anti-vilification laws were passed by the Parliament for the same-sex marriage postal survey. Credit:Louise Kennerley

Fairfax Media confirmed no formal vilification complaints had been received by the Attorney-General's department, and consequently none had proceeded to Attorney-General George Brandis for consideration.

The law requires Senator Brandis – one of the government's prominent "yes" advocates – to approve a complaint of vilification before legal action can be commenced in the Federal Court.