NI Minister Quits After Gay Abuse Comments

Northern Ireland's Health Minister has resigned after causing controversy by claiming the children of gay couples were more likely to be abused.

Jim Wells said he had been subjected to "deeply personal, nasty and threatening" attacks since his comments were disclosed.

Police also confirmed they were investigating an incident involving Mr Wells after the daughter of a lesbian woman complained her mother had been upset after a doorstep canvassing exchange with Mr Wells.

Mr Wells will step down from the Stormont Executive on 11 May and said he wanted to concentrate on caring for his wife, who is recovering from two strokes and major heart surgery.

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In a statement, he said: "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 DUP MLA was forced to apologise last week after he told at an election hustings in Downpatrick: "The facts show that a child is far more likely to be abused or neglected" if brought up in a homosexual relationship.

Mr Wells, who was appointed Health Minister 10 months ago, said he had "already said sorry for the offence caused and acknowledged that the comments were factually inaccurate".

The cross-community Alliance Party has tabled an urgent oral question requesting an explanation of the alleged incident in on the doorstep in Rathfriland.

The DUP's position on equality and its opposition to gay marriage has taken on a greater significance in light of the position it could play in the event of a hung parliament.

Mr Wells is running as a Westminster candidate for South Down.

Speaking about Mr Wells’ comments last week, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said it showed the "truly backward-looking views from the DUP".

However, he refused to rule out working alongside the party after 7 May. The DUP has said it would work with either Labour of the Conservatives.

DUP leader Peter Robinson said: "I would have wanted it to be otherwise but I respect Jim's decision.

"However, he is right to put his family first and I will fully support his decision."

Other candidates running in South Down are Felicity Buchan (Conservative),Chris Hazzard (Sinn Fein), Harold McKee (UUP), Henry Reilly (UKIP), Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) and Martyn Todd (Alliance Party).