THE DUP leader on one of the north's supercouncils last night said homosexuality should be illegal, as his party came under pressure to clarify its stance on gay rights.
Senior councillor Paul McLean spoke out hours after the resignation of Jim Wells as health minister following remarks linking same-sex relationships to child abuse.
The DUP said "the party does not have any such policy" on re-criminalising homosexuality but was challenged to take action against its
group leader on Mid Ulster council.
More than three decades after homosexual acts were decriminalised in Northern Ireland, Mr McLean told The Irish News he believed it should be illegal because it is "against the bible's principles".
"The biblical perspective speaks against it and I take the biblical perspective," he said.
"I don't agree with the process but I have no issue with the people.
"It goes against the bible's stance so I don't believe it should be legal."
Mr McLean (54) said he was unsure if his party supported his views, but "everybody is entitled to their viewpoint, that's why we have civil and religious liberties".
He said while he was "disappointed" at Mr Wells's resignation, he disagreed with his comments at a hustings event last week because they were not supported by the facts.
Asked about Mr McLean's remarks, the DUP said last night: "Some party members may have personal views on this matter. However, the party does not have any such policy nor have we any plans for such a policy in the future.
"It is the role of the Churches and of faith to direct the moral positions of people, not a political party.
"However, one of the three core principles of the DUP is that everyone is equal under the law and equally subject to the law. This party will defend the legal rights of everyone in our community and promote equality of opportunity."
John O 'Doherty of the Rainbow Project said the DUP must clarify its position following Mr McLean's remarks.
"What action is going to be taken within the party, if any?" he said.
"Peter Robinson needs to come out and clearly state his party's position on LGBT issues. His office has responsibility for equality issues."
? Jim Wells quits ? P 6-9 ? Editorial ? P 18