Today the Greens have refused to support a motion that would have caused the fate of a bill on marriage equality to be finally determined in the Senate this week.

Instead, they have amended a procedural motion to provide for a one hour debate without resolution on Thursday morning.

Substituting one private bill for another, but confining debate on the bill to an hour, without resolution, is a stunt without consequence.

Its as if Cory Bernadi and Eric Abetz have gained a vote in the Greens party room.

The Greens had an opportunity earlier today to back a motion that would have delivered a vote on marriage equality and they squibbed it.