Liberal Party defector Cory Bernardi has criticised comments made by former Liberal Party MP Ross Cameron as "totally inappropriate" but defended his right to free speech.
Senator Bernardi, along with Liberal National Party MP George Christensen, addressed the anti-halal fundraiser in Melbourne on Friday night despite a similar event in Sydney on Thursday causing uproar after cartoonist Larry Pickering told guests he "couldn't stand Muslims" but praised radical Islamists for their murderous treatment of homosexuals.
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Ross Cameron delivers half-hearted apology
Liberal Party member and Sky News presenter Ross Cameron has issued an apology of sorts for the remarks he made about homosexuals at a conservative fundraiser. Vision: SKY NEWS.
Mr Cameron also spoke at Thursday night's Q Society event where he referred to The Sydney Morning Herald as the "Sydney Morning Homosexual" and claimed the NSW division of the Liberal Party was one big "gay club".
Senator Bernardi said on Sunday he had spoken with Mr Cameron after the event who explained to him the "historical context" of his comments.
Senator Bernardi described Mr Cameron's comments as "totally inappropriate" saying they were an "own goal" for critics of attempts to loosen anti-vilification laws.
But he stopped short of suggesting Mr Cameron should apologise for the remarks.
"They're entitled to say what they like; we're entitled to say they're wrong," Senator Bernardi told Sky News.
The Q Society dinner was part of an effort to raise to raise funds for a defamation case brought by halal certifier Mohamed El-Mouelhy, who is suing Liberty Alliance political candidate Kirralie Smith over her videos alleging halal certification funds illegal activity.
Mr Christensen told Fairfax Media on Saturday that Mr Turnbull could not be held responsible for him attending the dinner because he paid for his travel and accommodation himself.
Industry Minister Arthur Sinodinos said on Sunday Mr Christensen was a "person of some potential" and should remain in the Liberal Party.