Although he said that he and Gervais use offence very differently in their work, Minchin told Digital Spy that the wider public response seemed typical of "Brits in one of their regular fits of morality".
Minchin said: "I think the way I use offence and the way Ricky uses offence are very different in that my material is very didactic.
"No-one leaves not knowing what I meant. It's preachy, my material. Luckily it seems to be funny as well."
He added: "Ricky's always got laughs out of treading the line, and I totally respect and couldn't do his job."
Gervais said that he had been "naïve" in his use of the word "mong" after he was criticised by comedians Richard Herring and Francesca Martinez
Following disability campaigner Nicola Clark's response to his comments in a blog post, Minchin clarified on Twitter: "Nicky, I mentioned you, a spokesperson I admire, as someone RG could learn from (to contrast w those trying to sell papers)."
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After he was recently criticised on Twitter for saying the word "tranny" on 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Minchin responded: "I used the word 'tranny' on 8/10 cats. Found out today that to the trans folk it's an abusive term. I didn't know that."
On being pushed to apologise, he added: "I'm interested in learning. I passed on what I learnt. I am not interested in PR or in those who think that's what matters.
"I am (as people who have the vaguest knowledge of my stuff know) interested in language taboos, & vocally disgusted by LGBT discrimination.
"I am not interest in PR backflips or in placating people with obsequious fawning. I am also too proud, I admit, to succumb to hectoring."
Minchin clarified: "A word is as offensive as those who have been victimised by it tell us it is. That's why I won't use the term again."
Tim Minchin and The Heritage Orchestra - Live at The Royal Albert Hall is released on DVD on November 14.
Listen to Tim Minchin's 'Pope Song' below:
