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Minister Who Linked Gay Marriage to Child Abuse Resigns

Northern Ireland’s health minister, Jim Wells, has stepped down several days after linking same-sex marriage to child abuse and neglect. In a statement released on Monday, April 27, the Democratic Unionist Party politician said he was resigning to spend more time with his ill wife. He will, however, continue to contest the South Down Westminster seat in next week’s election.

At a hustings event in Downpatrick on Thursday he claimed that children raised by same-sex couples were more likely to be neglected and abused.

After the event, Wells apologised for the remarks, saying, “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.”

Wells supports his party’s stance against same-sex marriage. Credit: Twitter/Clare Calvert