While supporters view Australian Christian Lobby head Jim Wallace as a bold and brave advocate, his hardline approach on issues including homosexuality could prove costly to his access and influence in Canberra.

Mr Wallace recently found himself at the end of a prime ministerial snub when he declared that homosexuality is unhealthier than smoking.

Yesterday, he defended Liberal senator Cory Bernardi who quit the Coalition's frontbench over his views that gay marriage could open the way to acceptance of sex with animals.

Mr Wallace says the senator's comments were taken out of context.

"We are in a situation where anything that is said on the pro-marriage side is conflated and deliberately misrepresented into the public square," he told 7.30.

"And I think Cory Bernardi has been a victim of that. He was talking about polyamory and polygamy as inevitable consequences in the longer term of any change to the definition of marriage.

"The issue of bestiality which he raised was raised as completely different idea only to illustrate some of the creepy ideas that are out there in the general space."

Mr Wallace, who is paid to lobby politicians, believes homosexuality is a sinful lifestyle choice.

"[Homosexuality is] a risky lifestyle. I don't think that's a good thing, I think it's a tragic thing," he said.

But his unbending approach could erode his influence and reputation, a grim prospect for a man whose goal is to influence political discourse.

His views have offended and disgusted many - and not just his traditional opponents.



Melbourne Reverend Carolyn Francis is disturbed by the ACL's approach and has gathered 16,000 signatures from Christians in support of marriage equality.

"The ACL certainly don't speak for me, and [I have received] many, many emails and messages from other Christians who feel the same way," she said.

"Christianity is a broad movement – it's 2,000 years old and of course we don't all agree.

"However my concern has been that when the Australian public of politicians and decision makers hear from the ACL, they may be under the impression they're hearing the views of the majority of Australian Christians.

"And my sense is that is really inaccurate."

'Bigotry and ignorance'

Even notable Christian MPs found Mr Wallace's recent comments on gay marriage unhelpful.

Among them was Labor senator Ursula Stephens, who chairs the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship.

"I think some people are pretty disappointed with the way in which he approached the issue this time," she said.

"It was deliberately provocative, but we'll live with that."

Others, like gay rights supporter and Opposition whip Warren Entsch, are far less diplomatic.

"When you meet people in the LBG community and you start talking and listening to their stories, I can tell you there's very few of them that say they're doing this because of a lifestyle choice," he said.

"I mean the cemeteries are full of people that have never been able to come to terms with their sexuality.

"And many of them have been put in those cemeteries through pressure and bigotry and ignorance driven by comments like those by Jim Wallace.

"For that reason I find it shameful."

'Demonised'

The ACL itself has 15,000 members and runs a budget of $2 million a year. Donations come from individuals, churches and businesses.

Mr Entsch believes Mr Wallace is putting its reputation on the line.

"If he continues to promote this sort of nonsense and the organisation continues to push this sort of nonsense then you’re going to see the organisation seen in a very different light," he said.

But Mr Wallace believes any damage done to his reputation will not last and that the parliamentary doors that have been opened to the ACL will not close.

"I don't believe I've ever done anything that would cause me to resign," he said.

"I've represented our case as compassionately as we can though this has been jumped on by people determined on demonising us.

"I think the fault is theirs, not with us."