A senior Ulster Unionist has described as "ill-judged and unwise" remarks about homosexuals made by Stormont junior minister Ian Paisley jnr in Hot Pressmagazine.
Newry & Armagh MLA Danny Kennedy said today it is highly regrettable that one of the junior ministers has spoken in a manner that undermines the dignity of his office "and appears to suggest that he is less than committed to treating all citizens equally and fairly".
In the Hot Pressinterview, Mr Paisley is quoted as saying, "I am pretty repulsed by gay and lesbianism. I think it is wrong. I think that those people harm themselves and - without care about it - harm society . . . I mean, I hate what they do. I think they should just free them[selves] from being gay.
"These are people in a country which previously had a very strong family value and moral fibre - and that is slowly but surely being eradicated. I'm not saying that is all the fault of people who've a gay and lesbian outlook, but all of that adds to the problems society goes through," he added.
Mr Kennedy said: "The reported comments would not be acceptable anywhere in mainstream British political life."
He continued: "All of us in public office have a right to hold views on the basis of conscience and religious convictions, but we also have a duty to promote equality and fairness for all.
"The junior minister should urgently rectify the situation and in future ensure that he speaks in a manner which does not discredit his Office, the devolved institutions or Northern Ireland."