DUP health minister Jim Wells has apologised after being deluged with criticism following remarks at a hustings about children from gay families.
Northern Ireland's health minister, Jim Wells, said last night that children raised by gay parents "are more likely to be abused and neglected".
The comments came during a hustings in South Down, the DUP politician's constituency, at which the topic of same-sex marriage emerged. Wells said during the debate: "The facts shows that certainly if you bring a child up in a homosexual relationship that a child is more likely to be abused and neglected."
His assertions were immediately met by heckles, with members of the audience shouting "Rubbish!" and "You should be ashamed of yourself."
The reaction on social media has been equally explosive, causing the minister's name to trend in the UK.
