high school students who identify as gay or trans

Today Extra's Sonia Kruger has referred to a scholarship for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender children as 'reverse discrimination'.

The Australian Business and Community Network Scholarship Foundation (ABCN) has begun targeting high school students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and/or intersex (LGBTI) for financial and mentoring scholarships.

The television host, who recently caused controversy by saying Australia should stop all Muslim immigration, said she found it 'odd' to ask Year 10 students about their sexual preferences.

All Year 10 students who are Australian citizens or permanent residents are eligible to win the scholarship, which offers students $7,000 to cover their time in Year 11, 12 and their first year of university.

Sonia Kruger slams university grants for gay, lesbian and transgender students as 'reverse discrimination'

The scholarships are for students to spend on study resources and help with financial hardships.

It is the first time the ABCN has offered a scholarship that includes targeted questions about a candidates sexual and gender identity. In previous years applying students were asked whether they were male or female.

Kruger said she didn't understand how the scholarship related to a person's sexuality.

'I don't think it should have anything to do with the awarding of a scholarship. I thinks scholarships should be given on merit.'

Her sentiments were echoed by Damian Wyld, national policy officer for Family Voice Australia who told The Australian that the educational scholarship was an example of ideological activism.

'Why should children, especially in a school setting, be asked to declare their sexuality or gender identity?' Mr Wyld said.

'Many 15-year-olds are still working through issues around sexuality. Offering a financial ­incentive to identify as 'lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and/or intersex' is completely inappropriate.'

It is the first time the ABCN has offered a scholarship that includes targeted questions about a candidates sexual and gender identity

The television host, who was criticised heavily over her comments about Muslim immigration, said she found it 'odd' to ask Year 10 students about their sexual preferences

Today Extra's David Campbell (right) who sat alongside Kruger, said those who criticised ABCN's decision to target gay and trans students 'were living in the dark ages'

THE ABCN SCHOLARSHIP All Year 10 students who are Australian citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply Scholarship winners receive $7,000 over Year 11, 12 and their first year of tertiary education A student who receives a scholarship is also provided a mentor from ABCN’s network of corporate partners The organisation has awarded 41 scholarships to students since the program launched in 2013 The foundation received more than $300,000 in donations last year, and more than $330,000 in 2014 Sponsors for scholarships have included Navitas, Microsoft, Fuji Xerox Australia and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia Applying students must answer questions which indicate how they’re disadvantaged and write 750 word essay on a selection of topics; including the difference a scholarship would make to their life Advertisement

Today Extra's David Campbell, sitting alongside Kruger, said it was ABCN's decision to offer such a scholarship.

He added that those who criticised their choice of questions 'were living in the dark ages.'

'Kids sexuality nowadays is different now to even when we were in high school', he said.

He pointed out that with the wide range of scholarships available for students, one targeting gay or transgender students is 'hardly a big deal.'

In July this year, Kruger was slammed after saying Australia should close its borders to Muslim migrants.

During a panel discussion on the Today Show, the TV host argued there was a correlation between the number of Muslims in a country and the number of terrorist attacks.

'Personally, I would like to see it stop now for Australia because I want to feel safe as all of our citizens do when we go out to celebrate Australia Day,' she told the panel.

Her comments sparked fierce debate on social media, with viewers writing in criticism, praise and mockery.

'Refreshing to hear someone voice their honest opinion #concerned #notracist', wrote one Kruger supporter.

Another user told the television personality: 'I can't believe you can make such racist and horrid remarks about immigration on national television. That is disgusting'.

Campbell said one scholarship targeting gay or transgender students is 'hardly a big deal'

Kruger responded to the criticism in a statement: 'Following the atrocities last week in Nice where 10 children lost their lives, as a mother, I believe it's vital in a democratic society to be able to discuss these issues without automatically being labelled racist'.

Daily Mail Australia contacted ABCN, but they declined to comment.

In July this year, Kruger was slammed after saying Australia should close its borders to Muslim migrants during a panel discussion on the Today Show



