A Family First Senate candidate who tweeted that children of same-sex couples face "emotional abuse" has issued a written apology on her website.
Wendy Francis, who is running for the Senate for Queensland, says she takes responsibility for the comments that someone from her office tweeted on her behalf.
"Legitimising gay marriage is like legalising child abuse," the message, which has since been deleted, said.
The Brisbane mum posted an extensive apology on her website on Wednesday.
The lengthy statement included a swipe at media, saying sensational headlines including words such as gay slur distorted the truth of both what was said and Ms Francis's actual views.
"I take responsibility for what was sent from my office and I acknowledge that the words used caused hurt and anguish for many people," she said in the statement.
"For this I sincerely and unreservedly apologise," she said.
"I hold no personal animosity against homosexuals."
But she went on to say she believed children were better off being raised by a mother and a father.
"I do not believe that upholding marriage or preventing children being raised in homosexual families is discrimination," she said.
"We can't govern Australia by legislation based on pleasing each group who wants things their way."
She blamed a slip-up on the offensive tweet.
"... on Sunday I was in Townsville where I gave blood and met locals concerned about where the major parties are taking Australia," Ms Francis said.
"My staff in Brisbane worded a media release on this issue. When I received the statement I felt that the language used was inappropriate and so I changed the wording.
"However due to my schedule these changes were accidentally not relayed to my Brisbane office and the wording from this incorrect release was transferred to Twitter."
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