The Premier, Lara Giddings, today described Will Hodgman's refusal to grant a conscience vote on the issue of marriage equality as cowardly.

"What is Will Hodgman afraid of?" Ms Giddings said.

"If the entire Liberal Party is united against marriage equality as Mr Hodgman claims then why not grant a free vote on the issue?

"Last time the Tasmanian Parliament voted on this issue, Liberal members hid behind their leader and did not speak.

"If for no other reason, Mr Hodgman should grant a conscience vote so his members can explain to their electorates why they believe this discrimination against same sex couples should continue.

"It would be cowardly to do anything less."