Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says he “regrets” inviting a controversial Muslim cleric to a dinner at Kirribilli House.

Australian-born Sheik Shady Al-Suleiman, President of the national Australian Imams Council, was among a number of government staffers and religious and community leaders who were invited to the Iftar dinner on Thursday marking the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

He once called AIDS a divine punishment for gays and for adulterers to be stoned to death.

Speaking on 3AW on Friday, the prime minister said he was unaware of the Sheik’s controversial comments, and if he had known, the preacher would not have been included on the guest list.

“Let me be very clear, we are governed by Australian law in Australia,” Mr Turnbull said.

“Propositions of that kind are so far beyond the pale.

“It is obviously completely and utterly unacceptable and I condemn remarks of that kind.

“They have no place in Australian law and Australian culture.”

Government spokesman Mathias Cormann echoed the prime minister’s views, saying that Mr Turnbull did not personally invite Suleiman, rather, he would have been part of a broader invite to the Imam Council.

“As soon as (Turnbull) did become aware, he absolutely condemned the (comments),” Cormann told Sky News.

Following the revelations, Suleiman released a statement regretting his choice of words in the past, and revoked his views that gays should be punished for their sexuality.

“I have previously noted passages in the holy Quran which do not support homosexuality,” he said.

“However I always follow such statements with a personal commitment to tolerance and encouragement that all Muslims and all people approach all individuals, no matter their faith, race or sexuality, in a considerate and respectful way.”

– with other agencies