WA student art banned from exhibition

A Perth high school principal, who refused to display a student's artwork depicting a man coming out as homosexual, has apologised for his "hasty decision".

Governor Stirling High School principal Pasco Putrino said he had made a quick decision based on what he believed the school community's expectations were for an art exhibition.

"Had there been more time I may have seen things differently, however I realise in hindsight this was the wrong move and I apologise to the student who didn't have the opportunity to see their art on display," he said in a statement.

Mr Putrino's decision about the painting, which shows an American footballer celebrating under the caption "I'm Gay", prompted a protest from students.

A friend of the student artist told ABC radio that the theme of the exhibition was 'social issues and controversial topics'.

"He was disappointed and confused as to why it was taken down when none of the others were taken down," she said.

"We (protested) because we wanted to show him that you can't just take down people's artwork."