The Nelson Mandela Foundation has voiced its disapproval over the use of the anti-apartheid leader's image to oppose same-sex marriage, after his face was included in leaflets distributed by Liberal Party members.

Key points: Pamphlets claim legalising same-sex marriage will lead to Safe Schools program becoming compulsory

Pamphlets claim legalising same-sex marriage will lead to Safe Schools program becoming compulsory Pamphlets include Mandela's photo and quote saying children are "our future"

Pamphlets include Mandela's photo and quote saying children are "our future" Nelson Mandela Foundation "objects to the misuse" of his legacy

The pamphlets, distributed in Sydney, claimed legalising same-sex marriage would lead to the controversial Safe Schools program becoming compulsory in all schools.

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They included an image of the anti-apartheid leader and a quote from him that said children were "our greatest treasure" and "our future".

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said it had become aware his image and words had been used to infer he opposed same-sex marriage.

"The Nelson Mandela Foundation would like to correct this misrepresentation," it said in a statement.

"As South Africa's first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela signed into law a constitution that stood for the rights of all."

It said that included introducing legislation which said the state could not unfairly discriminate against someone on the basis of their sexual orientation.

"We object to the misuse of the legacy of someone who worked precisely for the recognition of such rights," it said.

Federal Liberal MP Trent Zimmerman told AM those who distributed the pamphlets did so as private citizens and were not acting on behalf of the Liberal Party.

He said he found the use of Mandela's image concerning.

"I do think it's disappointing that material, which is quite self-evidently factually incorrect, is being used, and quite bizarre that a great and inclusive leader like Nelson Mandela would be associated with a campaign of this type," Mr Zimmerman said.