THE Constitutional Relations Secretary has accused those challenging the wording of the question in a future Scottish independence referendum of attempting to "muddy the waters".
Mike Russell said there is no need for the question used in 2014 to be retested by the Electoral Commission.
Last week, the watchdog told MSPs it should be allowed to test the question before a vote is held.
Dame Sue Bruce, Electoral Commissioner for Scotland, said: "We strongly believe that the commission should be asked to test the question."
She explained formal testing of the question would help to provide "confidence and assurance to the voter".
Speaking at Holyrood's Finance and Constitution Committee on Wednesday, Mr Russell said the question "should Scotland be an independent country?" with Yes or No as a response is a current question and therefore should not be tested as though it was asking voters a new one.
"I am in favour of testing and I think that is an entirely consistent and principled position," Russell said.
READ MORE: Mike Russell: Changing indyref wording would be very confusing
"This question has been tested. I would apply that to any question in these circumstances - I am in favour of testing but I'm not in favour of confusing people.
"And if a question has been used again and again and again, and continues in use, then I think it would be a very serious step if you were trying to throw it out."
Russell said: "Far from being against testing, I am absolutely devoted to the principle of testing.
"What I am against, however, is retesting in circumstances where the question is current.
"If a question was not current - if the question had been asked and then forgotten about - then of course.
"But this question is current, it's being asked again and again and again."
He added: "Far from saying that this would lack confidence, I think those who are challenging this question are, in some circumstances, attempting to muddy the waters because this question is clear, it has passed the test."
Russell was speaking as the Scottish Government sets out its Referendums Bill, which aims to set out the legal framework for the holding of referendums on any matters within Scotland's control.
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