Mr McCormack did not reveal whether he was one of the Coalition MPs who were given a short briefing on the draft legislation on Monday, which was been in a consultation process for the past two years.

Depending on the final draft, the law could enable religious schools to dismiss teachers in same-sex relationships or prevent employers from disciplining employees who make statements based on their religious beliefs but which also cause offences to other groups.

Mr McCormack said this week that he was being updated on the bill's progress and acknowledged the range of strongly held views on the issues involved.

"I have, throughout the drafting of the legislation and consultation period, received numerous updates on the progress of the bill and continue to do so," Mr McCormack said.

"I have been actively listening to the views of my colleagues and constituents of the Riverina who have and continue to contact me about this issue.

"I am aware people, both of faith and those not, hold a range of strongly held views about this matter.

"It is important we get the balance right and I am committed to reviewing the legislation in its entirety before I declare my position and vote on the bill."

Prime Minister Scott Morrison promised in the lead up to the 2019 federal election that he would support laws around the "principle of anti-discrimination and the protection of people's religious liberty".

"We know that not all Australians share the same religious beliefs and we know that the religious composition of Australia is changing. That's fine, of course it's fine," Mr Morrison said in 2018.

"It's part of a modern society that respects and tolerates each other. But I do know this; that Australians are substantially united, that all beliefs and all Australians, including not having a belief, should always be respected deeply by each and every citizen."

The draft legislation based on this promise has since received more than 7000 submissions and been subject to national campaigns both for and against its central clauses.

The NSW government has held off on introducing its own update to religious anti-discrimination laws while it waits for the final text of the federal government's legislation.

Independent Wagga MP Joe McGirr had supported Labor's alternative bill on the issue but it was voted down this month.

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