AN INDEPENDENT candidate has claimed Jim Wells was "in the main correct" when he linked same-sex relationships with child abuse.
Susan-Anne White, who is standing in West Tyrone after gaining just 67 votes in council elections last year, said "the truth requires no apology".
Mr Wells, who has resigned as health minister, told a hustings event in Co Down last week: "You don't bring a child up in a homosexual relationship. That a child is far more likely to be abused and neglected."
He later apologised and said he did not stand by the claim, which was also rejected as having no basis by child protection experts.
Despite this, Ms White claimed yesterday there are studies which back the view.
"Jim Wells is receiving the same abuse that you get if you dare to speak against the homosexual agenda," she said.
The Trillick woman said she had never considered joining the DUP, claiming they "went into government with unrepentant terrorists and have also gone soft on moral issues over the years".
Among her own election pledges is a promise to oppose feminism.
She said: "Women are now taking jobs suitable only for men, such as in the fire service. They are demanding
equal pay and they are not fit to do equal work. A woman should never, ever be on the frontline."
Mrs White claimed there was "no contradiction" in putting herself forward as a candidate, despite wishing to see an "all-male parliament".
"Men are often so silent that God will propel women forward to get men to take back their leadership roles. Look at Deborah in the Bible."
The independent candidate also vows to close the Marie Stopes clinic, the Equality Commission and the Human Rights Commission if elected.
She added that a five-year "minimum" jail sentence would be an appropriate punishment for adultery.