Robinson warns against 'lynch mob' approach after Wells resignation
The North's First Minister Peter Robinson has said Jim Wells should not be subjected to a “lynch mob” by critics.
The North's embattled former health minister
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“I do ask people that they should not take on the characteristic of a lynch mob about these matters,” he said Mr Robinson.
“He has apologised, he has accepted that the facts were inaccurate as he recalled them.
“I immediately went out to indicate that they were not the views of the party, nor would they ever be. That is the clearest direction I can make.”
The DUP leader told the Stormont assembly the DUP would not be recognising the marriage of a gay couple.
“The institution of marriage that many of us recognise is that it is an ordnance handed down from God for the appropriation of children, to ensure that a man and a woman can get married,” he said.
“If there is a same-sex relationship that is catered for within the scope of the existing law by way of a civil partnership, I cannot understand why you have to redesign the God-given term of marriage in order to ensure that it caters for something that already exists under the law by way of civil partnership.”
He added: “One of the core principles of my party is that everyone is equal under the law and equally subject to the law. This party will defend the legal rights of everyone to promote equality of opportunity.
“My party opposes any form of discrimination, whether it is related to sexual orientation or any other.”
Mr Robinson’s junior minister, Jonathan Bell, said he was committed to the dignity of the person.
“Jim Wells has made clear that his comments were inaccurate and wrong. It is not a DUP view or policy.”
