Mike Nesbitt Steps In On Gay 'Disease' Comments

The leader of the Ulster Unionist Party has once again found himself stepping in to distance the party from a member’s views on homosexuality.

Jackie Crawford, who sits on Magherafelt District Council, compared homosexuality to a "disease".

He has since withdrawn the terminology but re-affirmed his opposition to same-sex marriage in church.

It followed the party peer Lord Ken Maginnis’s remark in mid-June that gay marriage was a "rung on the ladder" towards bestiality.

The latest remarks prompted party leader Mike Nesbitt to rein in UUP supporters in a mass e-mail.

He wrote that members were "free to offer their personal view on the concept" but reminded members of the requirements for equality under the Northern Ireland Act and asked them "not to use language which might offend".

Councillor Crawford made the controversial remarks last week at a council meeting that included a Sinn Fein motion on same-sex marriage.

He said: "It's a pity they have that disease and they can't help it. It's the same as you being born with a disability. They can't help what they are. I know gay people and they are nice people and not bad people but they should not be getting married."

The UUP released a statement on Friday to say that Mr Crawford and Mr Nesbitt had met to discuss the issue.

Mr Crawford was quoted in it as saying: "The term "disease" was used as a figure of speech which I would not use again and I regret its unintended impact and any offence caused."

(NE)