Federal Opposition leader Tony Abbott has defended comments he made about homosexuality on 60 Minutes, saying gays and lesbians "challenge" the order of things.
Mr Abbott said he felt "threatened" by homosexuality on Sunday night's program, a comment that has angered the gay and lesbian community and something he tried to back track from during an interview on the ABC last night.
"There is no doubt that it (homosexuality) challenges, if you like, orthodox notions of the right order of things" Mr Abbott told Lateline.
ALSO TODAY: Abbott changes views on parental leave
Gay rights campaigner Gary Burns said Mr Abbot seemed to be stuck in the past and was acting like an "imbecile".
"I think old Tony thinks it's 1956 — this is the 21st century," Mr Burns told the Herald Sun.
Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby convener Anthony Bendall told the newspaper Mr Abbott was not helping young people trying to come to terms with their sexuality.
"It certainly isn't a very helpful comment in terms of trying to eliminate discrimination and homophobia," Mr Bendall said.
When questioned about how he felt about homosexuality on 60 Minutes, Mr Abbot said "probably a bit threatened".
"It's a fact of life and I try to treat people as people and not put them in pigeon holes," Mr Abbott said.
Mr Abbott has previously come under fire for his conservative views on marriage, saying women should treat virginity as "a gift".
Front page
RSS Feed