The NSW Legislative Council has been given notice that a Same-Sex Marriage Bill will be introduced to parliament next Thursday.

“I’m not going to get excited about it yet because it will be subject to the High Court challenge and may not even get to the lower house,” Mr Maguire said.

Mr Maguire personally supports the traditional definition of marriage being between a man and a woman, but said that when the time comes to vote he will listen.

“I am not closed minded about it,” he said. 

“I have a responsibility and I will be listening to the views.” 

The bill comes just a week after the ACT passed historical same-sex laws which kicked off the marriage debate in other states.

The bill has caused a stir among Catholic and other church leaders.

Catholic archdiocesan administrator for the Canberra-Goulburn region Monsignor John Woods issued a statement saying they were concerned for the long-term risks of the bill.

“While affirming the inherent dignity of all human beings, our faith traditions also affirm the traditional concept of marriage between a man and a woman as being good for the individual, the family and society,” the statement said.

The Daily Advertiser contacted the Wagga Catholic Diocese Bishop Gerard Hanna and the Anglican Reverend Genieve Blackwell for comment.

Bishop Hanna is at a retreat and was unavailable for comment. 

Reverend Blackwell reiterated in a statement that the church was supportive of the removal of discrimination and the provision of legal protection for same-gender couples, but remained committed to the traditional Christian view that marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman.

“The Anglican Church of Australia has acknowledged and continues to listen to the community discussion about altering marriage laws to recognise same-sex partnerships,” the statement said.