Police Probe Minister's Gay 'Child Abuse' Slur

Police are investigating comments by Northern Ireland's Health Minister, in which he appeared to link child abuse with gay couples.

Northern Ireland's Health Minister apologised after the comments, but it has now emerged he may face action.

Jim Wells told an audience in Downpatrick: "The facts show that a child is far more likely to be abused or neglected" if brought up in a homosexual relationship.

When video of the comments by the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) went viral on social media last night, LGBT campaigners called for his resignation.

In a statement this morning, the Democratic Unionist Party minister said the last few weeks had "been extremely difficult" for him personally.

His wife Grace is recovering from a stroke.

"I had just come from a hospital visit and my focus was not on the debate," he said.

"Indeed, during the event I received several messages from the hospital.

"I have listened to a recording of the relevant part of the debate. I accept that one line of what I said caused offence and deep concern amongst members of the audience and beyond.

"I regret having wrongly made that remark about abuse and I'm sorry those words were uttered. 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.

"The neglect or abuse of children is awful and happens in unstable relationships whether they are heterosexual or homosexual.

"I make no distinction between anyone who neglects or abuses a child regardless of their sexual orientation. I trust people will accept my explanation and my apology."

In an earlier statement, issued late last night, Mr Wells said: "During a debate … this evening I refused to agree with an audience member that marriage should be redefined.

"I oppose the redefinition of marriage. Indeed, the assembly has voted three times on this matter and every time a cross party selection of MLAs have supported the current definition of marriage.

"At the hustings event, I said that marriage was a stable environment to raise children. I am saddened that some people were trying to misrepresent my comments."

Sinn Fein called on the minister to step down, while the Ulster Unionist Party branded the remarks "outrageous" and the Alliance Party urged him to retract them and apologise.

One member of Mr Wells' own party, Pam Cameron, an MLA for South Antrim, publicly distanced herself from his comments last night.

The Democratic Unionist Party is the largest in Northern Ireland and could wield significant influence at Westminster after the election.

During a debate yesterday, David Cameron said he "profoundly disagreed" with the DUP's stance on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual issues and "will never validate" them.