Turnbull slams Labor plebiscite block

Malcolm Turnbull says Labor is being hypocritical by rejecting a national vote on same-sex marriage but supporting a referendum on indigenous recognition in the constitution.

The prime minister was asked in parliament on Wednesday how he could support a plebiscite to change the Marriage Act when mental health experts advised it could lead to hurtful things being said, damaging the mental health of gay and lesbian people.

"If that proposition were accepted, how are we going to go with a referendum on constitutional recognition? Are we not going to have that because there are some people that will make unkind, racist remarks?" Mr Turnbull said.