Canberra MP Gai Brodtmann has called for a respectful debate ahead of the Turnbull government's postal plebiscite on same-sex marriage, after receiving abusive and angry calls to her office.
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The Labor MP said staff and volunteers had been upset by a series of inappropriate calls from both sides of the debate on same-sex marriage, as well as people questioning the $122 million price tag and method for the non-compulsory vote.
"I was concerned when I was in the office to hear my staff had been taking calls from the "no" campaign side and also the "yes" side that were quite abusive and willing," she said.
"I wanted to underscore the need for respectful debate on this from both sides. I understand that people across the community have very strong opinions on this issue, and very passionate opinion but if people are imparting their views, they should be respectful of others."
Ms Brodtmann declined to discuss the content of the calls but said she was shocked and expected other MPs would be in the same situation.
"It's not just expensive, it's also incredibly divisive.
"I've got volunteers in the office, young people, I've got gay people working in the office. They shouldn't have to deal with this," she said.
Liberal senator Zed Seselja said he had heard from many Canberrans on both sides of the debate since the government decided to pursue a postal vote.
"Most people are pleased to have their say, but many are indicating that they are sick of being told that they are bigots because they don't support changing the Marriage Act.
"They feel that they are being told what to think.
"I urge all people to have a civilised discussion in this debate, make sure they update their details and vote," he said.
Fenner MP Andrew Leigh said most of the traffic received by his office were complaining about the non-binding postal survey, but "very few people have been against marriage equality".
"Their concerns instead lie with the survey itself," he said.
"My staff have been taking calls and answering emails from silent voters and constituents travelling overseas, concerned that they won't get to have their say.
"People are frustrated by the lack of communication and clarity from the Turnbull Government about its absurd survey."
Political campaign group the Australian Christian Lobby said eggs were thrown at the outside of its Deakin offices on Sunday night or Monday morning.
Managing director Lyle Shelton said on Twitter someone had threatened to send chemical substances to the office.
Equality advocates condemned the vandalism. Just.equal spokesperson, Ivan Hinton-Teoh, said there should be no room for abuse, attacks or vandalism in the debate.
"We urge supporters of marriage equality to devote their energy to enrolling young voters, ensuring ballots are returned and winning the case for reform," he said.
