The Libertarian senator said in Question Time on Wednesday that a high school student from Sydney had complained to him about the male students in her public high school being forced to stand and recite the White Ribbon Day oath in front of the female students.

The oath is part of White Ribbon's campaign to encourage men to stand up to domestic violence against women, and consists of two sentences:

I will stand up, speak out and act to prevent men’s violence against women. This is my Oath.

Leyonhjelm described the schoolboys' experience as "public shaming based on gender".

The student told Leyonhjelm the girls were keen to participate but were made to sit and watch by teachers, which made them feel uncomfortable.

Special minister of state Scott Ryan said he wasn't aware of this happening in schools.

"I'm not aware of the claims you've made there, Senator Leyonhjelm," he said.

"White Ribbon Australia encourages men to highlight the role they can play alongside women to stop violence against women.

"I'm not necessarily always in favour of everything that happens in our schools, Senator Leyonhjelm, but I will say though that raising awareness and voluntary participation in such activities is I think important."

Ryan added that it was "not compulsory to participate" in the White Ribbon Day oath.