As parliament resumed last week, attention focused on the words of two senators, warning they may vote against allowing same sex couples to marry, regardless of a plebiscite result.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported a “split” had reopened within the Coalition over the comments from Senators Eric Abetz and Cory Bernardi.

Mr Abetz said he would not necessarily vote with the majority, while Mr Bernardi said he would definitely not vote in favour of same-sex marriage.

But Mr Taylor told the Post he would continue to support a plebiscite. If the country votes in favour of same sex marriage, he would honour that.

“On the issue of same sex marriage, the Coalition Party Room has decided against having a free vote and to move towards allowing the Australian people to have their say after the next Federal election,” he said.

“I strongly support this position and have maintained throughout the debate that this issue is more important than the opinion of individual politicians. It will only be resolved when it is decided by the general public.” Advocacy group Hume Supports Marriage Equality spokesperson Tom Sebo maintained a plebiscite was a “bad idea”.

“It is going to cost a lot of money… like, $160 million. This is money that could be spent on other things in the community - hospitals, fixing roads, employing nurses and teachers. As a taxpayer I would like to see that money spent on things with more benefit,” Mr Sebo said.

“We already know what the outcome is going to be. Every poll on this tells us the same thing… that the overwhelming majority of Australians support marriage equality.”

He voiced concerns that a plebiscite could lead to negative effects on vulnerable Australians who identify as LGBTI.

“If we have a plebiscite we are going to end up with a very strong ‘No’ campaign. While there are those out there in the community who it wouldn’t bother, there are people who are very vulnerable,” he said.

“Every mental health organisation I’ve seen says the same thing, which is that a campaign of this nature would have devastating effects for at risk people. It’s not a risk worth taking.”

Mr Sebo said he held hope in words spoken by Liberal MP and same-sex marriage advocate Warren Entsch.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Wednesday that Mr Entsch, who is working with Attorney- General George Brandis to develop the plebiscite, said when details came before the party room, it would give the Coalition the chance to discuss the issue again.

When presented with the cost, timeframe and process of a national vote, some MPs might want to revisit the government’s stance, Mr Entsch believed.

“It’s really positive that the Liberal Party room is going to discuss it again,” Mr Sebo said.

“The main hope now is that, while I know Angus Taylor hitched his wagon to the idea of a plebiscite last year, he will reconsider going back to a parliamentary vote.

“We do have the numbers to get this done and we could get this done tomorrow if we get this vote.”