Former UUP member likens homosexuality to paedophilia

A former member of the Ulster Unionist Party has likened homosexuality to paedophilia.

Ken Maginnis says the issue of gay marriage is 'the thin end of the wedge' as other groups would then call for concessions, too.

He quit the UUP yesterday after 50 years following controversial comments made during a radio debate earlier this year.

He announced his resignation after the party whip was withdrawn because of his comments about gay marriage.

Mr Maginnis says any change to marriage would erode the whole institution.

"The moment you begin to erode values is the moment you begin to normalise.

"The moment you begin to move state legislation into an area that is private and to do with one's belief and religion, you're into very dangerous ground."

He added: "The next thing we will find is a dissident group looking for the age of consent to be reduced. We'll see others who want to see paedophilia legalised."