Incoming prime minister Paul Martin is considering changes to a legal reference on gay marriage, sources say, possibly causing the issue to be delayed beyond the next federal election.

A Liberal MP, who did not want to be named, told The Canadian Press there has been "active interest" from Martin and his advisers on hearing how the questions might be modified.

Martin spokesman Scott Reid said no decision has been made yet, adding "There's always consultation going on between the leader and his caucus.

He said Martin's view is "all potential options that respect rights . . . should be debated. But that's the beginning and end of it."

The changes could delay the legislation, sent to the Supreme Court of Canada by Prime Minister Jean Chretien.

The top court has been asked to consider three questions to ensure the legislation would pass constitutional tests and would not infringe on religious leaders to perform the rites.

When previously asked by reporters what his position on same-sex marriage is, Martin has often said Members of Parliament have a right to debate it in the House of Commons.

The issue has been a particularly controversial one in Parliament. Canadian Alliance MP Larry Spencer was recently fired from his position as the party's family issues critic for telling a Vancouver newspaper he favoured outlawing homosexuality.

Spencer, who made the comments as the Alliance and Progressive Conservatives were preparing to merge, also said the gay rights movement will lead to the legalization of polygamy and pedophilia.

Similar opinions were expressed by David Kilgour, secretary of state for the Asia Pacific region and MP for Edmonton Southeast. He told an Edmonton newspaper he's worried that gay marriage could lead to those in incestuous and polygamous relationships also being allowed to marry.

Courts in Ontario and British Columbia have both found the definition of marriage -- between a man and a woman -- to be in violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Based on those rulings, many same-sex couples have already wed.

The draft legislation unveiled by the Chretien government would be changed to the joining of two people.

Martin takes over the government on Friday.