Lib MP urges another gay marriage attempt

Gay Liberal backbencher Dean Smith says the issue of same-sex marriage should still go before the parliament.

The government's proposed gay marriage plebiscite was defeated in the Senate on Monday night and Senator Smith says we should be calm and methodical about the next steps.

"I don't want us to get ahead of ourselves on this, but I do think it is totally reasonable that the issue of marriage should be tested once in the life of the 45th parliament," he said on Sky News.

Senator Smith, who objected to the proposed plebiscite, said it may well be that many people would follow a journey like his own.

Although initially opposing same-sex marriage, he changed his mind and favours this being dealt with though a vote in the parliament.

He said community attitudes were changing.

"This is a real issue for many families, for many extended families, for many friendships," he said.