McGregor sacking the wrong message: Vic MP

A Victorian MP says transgender advocate Catherine McGregor shouldn't have been sacked as patron of human rights group Kaleidoscope Australia for criticising the federal government's Safe Schools program.

Victorian shadow education minister Nick Wakeling said it was "disappointing" Ms McGregor's legitimate concerns over Safe Schools had been met with hostility and that "a program intended to prevent bullying has strayed so far from its original purpose".

"All children should be taught respect and tolerance for everyone regardless of race, religion, ethnicity and appearance," Mr Wakeling said on Tuesday.

"Strong advocates of the LGBTI community and the wellbeing of our children, like Catherine McGregor, should be listened to and respected, not gagged."