LIBERAL backbenchers will be free to support same-sex marriage legislation when it comes before the parliament later in the year.

While the opposition front bench will be bound by the policy the Coalition has taken to the last two polls not to change the Marriage Act, The Australian understands others will be free to back the bill.

Senior Liberals said Tony Abbott had privately conceded some Liberals wanted to vote for marriage equality. "He seems to be quite relaxed at backbenchers exercising their will if they so choose," one said yesterday.

Resentment remains at senior levels in the Liberals over the Opposition Leader's unilateral decision to oppose same-sex marriage, taken after the December ALP national conference backed a conscience vote on the issue.

Mr Abbott is understood to have indicated to party supporters of same-sex marriage he would take a similar stand.

Several high-profile frontbenchers, including former leader Malcolm Turnbull and key tactician Christopher Pyne, are believed to back the changes.

Labor backbencher Stephen Jones plans to introduce legislation for same-sex marriage later this year. Independent Andrew Wilkie and the Greens member for Melbourne, Adam Bandt, are sponsoring legislation of their own.

A third proposal, by Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, is before a Senate committee.

More at: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs