Judi Online - A health minister who caused outrage when he was filmed linking gay marriage to child abuse has resigned.
Northern
Ireland's Jim Wells told an election debate: "The facts show that when
brought up in a homosexual relationship a child is far more likely to be
abused and neglected."
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) senior member was drowned out by cries of 'rubbish' and 'you should be ashamed' and faced calls to resign last week.
Police said they were investigating his comments after receiving a complaint.
Now
he has revealed he will step down - but insists it is to care for his
wife Grace, who has had two strokes and major heart surgery.
"My focus will be on Grace and supporting my family," he said.
"The events of the last week have taken place against the backdrop of a difficult period.
"On
the issue of comments I have made which have attracted significant
publicity, I have already said sorry for the offence caused and
acknowledged that the comments were factually inaccurate.
"At no
time did I set out to hurt or offend anyone and it has upset me greatly
that the comments made have caused distress to some within our
community.
"I am deeply saddened that some of those who represent
a different viewpoint from me have attacked my family and me in a
deeply personal, nasty and in some cases threatening way.
"Some of the outbursts on social media have been particularly abusive and menacing in nature."
The statement today comes hours after Mr Wells had a doorstep
showdown with the daughter of a lesbian voter who has now abandoned the
DUP.
Police ended up being called after the incident yesterday in Rathfriland, County Down.
Mr Wells said his resignation as health minister will take effect from May 11.
Bandar Bola - He will remain a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, which isn't holding an election until May next year.
The handful of DUP MPs at Westminster could be key to David Cameron holding on to power, if they agree a pact after the election.
That's despite the party wanting to bring in laws that allow anti-gay discrimination.
The prime minister faced anger from teenagers in BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge after saying he disagrees with the DUP on gay rights but failing to rule out a post-election deal.
Last year David Cameron hosted " a lavish reception " in Downing Street in their honour.
In his apology last week Mr Wells told Belfast Live : “I had just come from a hospital visit and my focus was not on the debate.
“Indeed, during the event I received several messages from the hospital.
“The comment did not reflect my view nor that of my party.
“Within
seconds of realising this error, I asked the chairman to let me back in
and twice corrected my remarks before the debate moved on.
“This
clarification has been confirmed by the journalists present at the
event. Partial clips, spin and selective reporting regrettably miss
this."
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