Trust teachers on gay program: Lib MP

A federal Liberal MP has taken issue with some of his conservative colleagues, saying teachers and principals should be trusted to give students appropriate information on gay and lesbian issues.

The government is reviewing the Safe Schools anti-bullying program following concerns raised by coalition critics, led by outspoken Liberal senator Cory Bernardi.

Queensland MP Ewen Jones told reporters in Canberra on Monday that two kids at his son's school took their own lives.

Mr Jones said his wife and younger brother were both teachers.

"What we must do is make sure we are backing our professionals," he said.

The program was important because if teachers were asked questions they needed the appropriate resources to respond.

"I don't expect teachers to be going out teaching chest wrapping," he said, referring to a practice highlighted by other MPs as an example of their concerns.

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