A historic victory for same-sex marriage in an Irish referendum at the weekend has reignited debate over how the controversial issue can be resolved. 

Ballarat advocate for marriage equality Ron Egeberg said politicians needed to listen to the overwhelming views of the Australian public and vote to legalise same-sex marriage. 

Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage through popular vote on Saturday.

Mr Egeberg said the overwhelming ‘‘yes’’ vote in the Irish referendum should inspire politicians to make a change. 

“If conservative Ireland can vote in favour of same-sex marriage ... Federal Parliament must vote sooner rather than later on the issue,” he said. 

Mr Egeberg said politicians should not make a conscience vote in Parliament but instead vote according to the public view. 

“Conscience votes should not be necessary,” he said.

“They should vote in accordance with the majority view of their constituents.” 

However, federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten believes the decision should be made in Parliament.

“I support the Parliament resolving this issue ... that would be the most effective and speedy way to do it,” he said.

Speaking in Ballarat on Sunday, Mr Shorten said he was a supporter of marriage equality.

“I believe the time has come in Australia for marriage equality to be legalised,” he said.

“I believe that the news overnight from Ireland is very exciting.”

Labor currently supports a conscience vote on gay marriage. 

“The issue of marriage equality is one which (falls within) the capacity of Parliament,” he said.

“Australians elect their members of Parliament to make these decisions.”

Despite at least one Liberal backbencher, Zed Seselja, insisting the question was significant enough to be put to the people in a referendum, Prime Minister Tony Abbott insists it is a matter for the Parliament. 

“If it comes before our Parliament again, our party room will deal with it, our party room will decide whether our existing policy continues or not and then we will have a good debate,” Mr Abbott said. 

Ireland became the 19th country in the world to allow gay people to marry. 

Mr Egeberg said he hoped Australia made the change sooner rather than later.

“We are now an enlightened society which believes in equal rights for all its people,” he said. 

“Why then can’t same-sex-attracted couples marry if they wish to?”

kara.irving@fairfaxmedia.com.au