PM Abbott 'facing internal rift' from MPs on gay marriage

Prime Minister Tony Abbott could see the same level of internal backlash over same-sex marriage that deposed Malcolm Turnbull as Liberal leader, say coalition MPs.

Nationals MP George Christensen has likened the disquiet over gay marriage to the 2009 rift when Mr Turnbull lost the Liberal leadership over his support for an emissions trading scheme.

Mr Christensen said the party membership will also not like being ignored on their opposition to gay marriage.

Some parliamentarians believe they have a majority to oppose a free vote, Fairfax Media reports.