I don't believe gay sex is a sin, Lib Dem leader Tim Farron says

The leader of the Liberal Democrats has clarified that he does not believe gay sex is a sin.

Tim Farron, a committed Christian, has previously repeatedly refused to answer questions about his views.

The latest pronouncement is an effort to draw a line under a row that has threatened to overshadow the Lib Dems' campaign and alienate potential target voters.

In an interview with the BBC on Tuesday, Mr Farron said: “I don't believe that gay sex is a sin.”

But he added: “I take the view though, that as a political leader, my job is not to pontificate on theological matters.

“It seems to me that there is a general election on at the moment, we need to be talking about big issues – health, social care, education, whether we're in the single market or not.

“And it occurs to me really that this had become a talking point, an issue.”

In 2015 Mr Farron had been asked whether he believed gay sex was a sin and replied: “We're all sinners.”

Asked about the issue at a press conference on Monday he said: “I'm not going to answer that question.”

Mr Farron has made clear he supports same-sex marriage and LGBT equality.

However, he has a mixed voting record on LGBT issues, having voted against making Equality Act discrimination protections applicable to people on the basis of sexual orientation.

The Lib Dems are hoping to benefit from support from Remain voters because of their strongly pro-EU stance.