NSW Legislative Council member Reverend Fred Nile has been slammed for claiming the promotion of homosexuality in schools is “quite dangerous” as it may confuse teenagers during their sexual development.

Appearing on a special edition of the ABC’s Q&A program Thursday night, flanked by a panel of gay rights activists, Rev Nile was asked what could be done to address bigotry and violence towards homosexuals in schools.

Rev Nile responded saying homosexuality should not be taught to children while they were at “such a sensitive age”.

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“My observation is that teenagers are going through sexual development and (it) can be quite dangerous, I think, to promote homosexuality in schools to children,” he said.

The panel fired up, with Katherine Hudson from Wear It Purple, a mental health support group that aimed to stop homophobia in schools, challenging Mr Nile.

“Sorry Mr Nile, but how is promoting acceptance of difference in schools promoting homosexuality? It’s not. You are born gay,” Ms Hudson said.

Mr Nile responded and said: “You can confuse boys and girls at that sensitive age, when they are still developing sexually,” he said.

To which Ms Hudson replied: “The only thing you can confuse people with is, whether it’s okay to hate people because of difference.”

The audience applauded.

Ironically, a documentary on Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was followed by the Q&A (Gay Division) special, hosted by comedian and gay man, Tom Ballard.

@TomCBallard full marks on your Tony Jones impersonation #qanda 10/10

— Ben Mulcahy (@PinkMediaBoy) June 18, 2015

Given God ignores #FredNile annual prayer for rain to wash out the #Sydney G&L #MadiGras, is #God trying to tell him something #qanda

— Chris Maher (@greenmaher) June 18, 2015

Rev Nile declared himself free of bigotry and reminded the audience he “didn’t hate the sinner – just the sin”.

Mr Ballard asked him: “Is your position in fact that homosexuality is morally wrong?”

Rev Nile replied: “Er … homosexual acts.”

Mr Ballard: “Do you feel you’ve been portrayed as a bigot in the media and do you have any idea exactly why that is?”

Mr Nile: “I just think that’s what happens in the media.”

“Male-male, female-female – that’s unnatural. I believe God loves everybody, none of us are perfect … certainly not me,” Mr Nile said.

The show closed with singer and actor Paul Capsis performing I Love The Nightlife –  which was reborn in 1994 in iconic Australian movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert about drag queens.

My eldest daughter is OK with her two mums. #qanda pic.twitter.com/HKz40UikQW

— Sach (@mumajams) June 18, 2015

#QandA #QandGay “All we want is to be accepted & treated equally”, at the same time spits vile bigotry to those with a different view.

— The Green Hoaxer (@Fredthewarmist) June 18, 2015

Lol “promoting”. “Hey kids, have you tried ‘gay’?” It’s the hippest new trend!” #frednile #qanda #QueerAsFolk #gay — Nick Tapscott (@NickTapscott) June 18, 2015

@DoulmanJulia and @JulieMcCrossin were fabulous on #qanda but disappointed in show that didn’t drive debate forward and why not regular Q&A

— Louise Nealon (@LouiseNealon) June 18, 2015