Citipointe Christian College principal Brian Mulheran to ‘stand aside’ after anti-gay contracts

The principal of a Brisbane Christian school that issued student enrolment contracts including gender and sexuality clauses before withdrawing them has stepped aside.

The Citipointe in Carindale faced a possible review of its state funding and anti-discrimination action over the contracts sent to parents last week.

The documents said "the college will only enrol the student on the basis of the gender that corresponds to their biological sex" and said homosexuality is "sinful" like bestiality, incest and pedophilia.

Citipointe Christian College principal Brian Mulheran said in a statement on Friday night that he had decided to "stand aside and take extended leave in order to reflect on what has transpired and provide the College community time to heal".

"Citipointe needs to be ready to welcome students on Monday with a positive outlook to start the new school year," he said.

He had on Thursday revoked the enrolment contracts, saying parents would not have to sign them. He apologised about the documents, and to gay and transgender students.

"We deeply regret that some students feel that they would be discriminated against because of their sexuality or gender identity, and I apologise to them and their families," Mulheran said on Thursday.

"As stated previously, the college does not and will not discriminate against any student because of their sexuality or gender identity.

"It is central to our faith that being gay or transgender in no way diminishes a person's humanity or dignity in God's eyes."

The Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, and the Queensland education minister, Grace Grace, had opposed the contracts.