Xenophon, crossbenchers call for election plebiscite on same-sex marriage

Crossbench senators have rallied to support a bill that will require a plebiscite on same-sex marriage to be held at the next federal election.

The Greens private members bill, which has the support of senators Ricky Muir, Jacquie Lambie, Nick Xenophon, Glenn Lazarus and David Leyonhjelm, would require Australians to cast a vote on gay marriage at the same time they go to the polls for the election.

Greens Leader Richard Di Natale told reporters in Canberra that the bill will require the plebiscite question to come from parliament rather than the prime minister.