Lib candidate quits over gay comments

A Liberal candidate has stepped aside after apologising for saying the "homosexual lifestyle" carries "appalling health risks".

Liberal candidate for the Victorian seat of Wills, Peter Killin, made a submission to the Ruddock review into religious freedom in which he wrote about the "dangers" posed by gay people.

"The dangers and health risks (of gay people) have been well documented in many reliable medical sources for years," he said.

In the comments section of a blog, Mr Killin also lamented the fact he was not at the preselection for fellow Liberal Tim Wilson so he could have ensured there was "no homosexual MP".

The candidate on Wednesday issued an apology for the comments, after a story was published in the Herald Sun.

"My comments were wrong and I apologise unreservedly for making them," he said in a statement.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters that the Liberal Party had asked Mr Killin to explain himself.

"I'll allow the party to follow its processes," he told reporters in Perth.

Less than two hours later, a Liberal Party spokesman confirmed that Mr Killin had resigned as candidate.