SUSSAN Ley says she has not come out in support of gay marriage, despite a rival election candidate claiming she had backed the change.
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The member for Farrer and Health Minister was accused by Christian Democratic Party contender Paul Rossetto of supporting gay marriage in a post on her website.
The Griffith city councillor said in deciding to stand for Farrer, after his hometown was relocated from the seat of Riverina, he was motivated by what he claimed to read on Ms Ley's website.
"I was horrified to see that she supported same-sex marriage on her webpage," Mr Rossetto said.
"That is something I'm very passionate about, I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman."
But Ms Ley rejected Mr Rossetto's claim, with the Liberal MP remaining uncommitted to gay marriage.
“My view is unchanged, and that is a strong stance against any discrimination or prejudice towards someone’s sexuality, while acknowledging genuine love can exist in same-sex relationships," Ms Ley said.
"Equally, there are passionate supporters of the traditional view of marriage between a man and a woman and I respect their right to hold this view.
"I am also strongly supportive of the Coalition’s policy to have a plebiscite soon after the upcoming election, which allows the conscience of every one of my constituents to be heard.”
Greens candidate for Farrer Amanda Cohn, who met Ms Ley last year to raise her concerns about gay marriage, wants the Health Minister to offer a yes-no answer on the issue.
"I think the federal election is a good opportunity to have her position made clear," Dr Cohn said.
"I think voters deserve to have all the information."
Mr Rossetto said he had traditionally been a National Party supporter and was pleased to be represented by that organisation's MP, Michael McCormack, when Griffith was in Riverina.
Mr McCormack told Griffith newspaper The Area News in 2014 that "same-sex marriage will never be off the radar but I do not support it".
Mr Rossetto, a Catholic father of four who has been married for 31 years, said he could not understand those supporting gay marriage.
An orchardist, who's been in agripolitics and farming for more than three decades, he is also worried at the impact of the Murray-Darling Basin plan on irrigation.
Mr Rossetto had his interest in standing for office sparked by being involved in the campaign of independent candidate Helen Dalton in the seat of Murray at last year's NSW election.
A convention with veteran NSW Upper House MP Fred Nile last September led to him standing for the CDP.
