Federal minister Kevin Andrews' decision not to speak at the controversial World Congress of Families conference is a cop out, the event's new host says.
The social services minister and Victorian Attorney-General Robert Clark cancelled their speeches a day before the Saturday conference, run by pro-family religious group the World Congress of Families.
Pastor Daniel Nalliah's evangelical Christian group Catch The Fire Ministries is hosting the conference after three other venues refused to hold it.
"I am aware that Kevin Andrews has basically pulled out because the building is Catch The Fire Ministries'," Mr Nalliah told AAP on Friday.
"I think that is, frankly, an absolute cop out."
Mr Andrews said he originally planned to attend the conference because tolerance was critical in a western liberal democracy.
The World Congress of Families has attracted opposition because of its stance against gay marriage and claims of links between breast cancer and abortion.
It also lists divorce, "confusions over sexual identity", human trafficking, violence against women and child abuse as problems facing society.
"The calls for me not to attend demonstrate the intolerance of the Greens and the left - instead of arguing their case in the public arena they seek to shut down debate," Mr Andrews said.
"Equally, I cannot support intolerance from other quarters. As I have been informed today that the event is now to be hosted by Catch the Fire, I have decided not to attend."
Mr Nalliah attracted controversy in 2009 when he said the deadly Victorian bushfires were the result of the state's decriminalisation of abortion.
Mr Clark's spokesman said it was regrettable protesters prevented the conference from running at its original venue.
"In a democracy such as Victoria, all people are entitled to express their views within the law, and those who disagree should respond with argument and debate rather than by trying to prevent others from gathering to express their views," the spokesman said.
Conference organiser Babette Francis said she was disappointed Mr Andrews would not attend the event, but said it would still go ahead.
Protest organiser Gaye Demanuele considered the withdrawal of Mr Andrews, Mr Clark and Victorian upper house MP Bernie Finn as a victory.
"What we also count as a victory is that this extremist hate-filled World Congress of Families are now revealing their true colours," Ms Demanuele told AAP.
She said protesters would demonstrate outside Catch The Fire Ministries' building in Hallam, which Mr Nalliah welcomed.
"I'm all for free speech, I'm looking forward to the protesters coming in and demonstrating and protesting, as long as they do it peacefully and respectfully," Mr Nalliah said.
Mr Nalliah said the politicians' withdrawal showed they "have no guts", while the venues who refused to host the conference were "cowards".
Liberal senator Cory Bernardi cancelled his appearance several months ago, while his colleague Eric Abetz had never planned to attend despite being listed as a supporter.
Share
