Openly-gay Liberal MP Trent Zimmerman says it's unjustified for a coalition colleague to brand the Safe Schools program as child grooming.
Mr Zimmerman says George Christensen's comments likening the gay and lesbian-focused anti-bullying program to pedophile grooming was deliberately inflammatory.
"Some of the language that's been used has been unfortunate ... we have seen a tenor of language used which has been completely unjustified," he told ABC radio on Wednesday.
Mr Zimmerman said he didn't mind that an independent review of the program was underway but it was important there continued to be support for young people experiencing bullying.
He was happy for the program to be improved.
"But don't let us throw the baby out with the bath water because discrimination and intolerance can start at a very young age.
"And the psychological impact on those on the receiving end can be something they live with for the rest of their life."
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