The controversial paper has previously been labelled a "hate document" by gay groups. The paper talks about the roles of men and women in bringing up children and the importance of marriage before warning about the so-called risks associated with allowing homosexual relationships in society. It characterises homosexuality as a mental illness - gender disorientation pathology - and argues that people turn into gays and lesbians as a result of bad parenting. "Gender disorientation pathology, as in the form of sexual addictions, is often a symptom of family dysfunction, personality disorder, father absence, health malfunction or sexual abuse," the paper states. It goes on to state that homosexuals are more likely to take drugs and be violent towards their partner.

"Evidence show that there are increased risks of drug abuse, partner violence, suicide and other problems associated with the homosexual lifestyle," it states. It also argues that children are under greater risk of sexual psychological abuse if they have a gay parent. "The sad truth is, homosexual abuse of children is proportionately higher than heterosexual abuse of children. It must be stressed that most homosexuals do not abuse children, and most are not pedophiles, but it seems a significant number do, and are," the paper states. When asked whether he stood by the contents of the document Mr Marsh told "absolutely''. Mr Marsh said he was not homophobic and the Fatherhood Foundation had given several gay and lesbian people awards for their work in the community.

"I hope we're in a free society that still allows us to speak our mind. I don't wish any evil on anybody,'' Mr Marsh said. "I'm there for men's health and I'm there to support the wonderful policy of men's health,'' Mr Marsh said.

Mr Williams told that he often did work for the Fatherhood Foundation but would "have to re-read the paper" before he could endorse its contents again. Mr Williams told that he often did work for the Fatherhood Foundation but would "have to re-read the paper" before he could endorse its contents again. Mr Williams said that while he did not support gay marriage, he did not discriminate against gay people.

"I have nothing against gays ... I admire a lot of really good gay people and have some gay friends," Mr Williams said. "Last year my brother died of cancer and there was a lovely gay couple that looked after him. I'm an indigenous person so I don't discriminate against anyone.'' Associate Professor Anne Mitchell from Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria at the University of La Trobe said that she thought the document amounted to gay hate literature. Associate Professor Anne Mitchell from Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria at the University of La Trobe said that she thought the document amounted to gay hate literature. "Our research shows that young gay men are experiencing a lot of violence and abuse and the more extreme the violence and the abuse is the more likely they are to self-harm.

It was not appropriate for its authors to be associated with promotion of men's health, she said.

Loading "These are not small issues in relation to men's health and I do not believe we can afford the cost of having given these kind of views being given more oxygen,'' Associate Professor Mitchell said. Nicola Roxon's office was yet to comment to on the matter.