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Press Release from the Conservative Party in Northern Ireland.

The junior minister at the OFMDFM made disgracefully homophobic comments in an interview in Hot Press Magazine, where he described his repulsion at homosexuality, and by extension, Northern Ireland's thriving LGBT communities.

Hundreds of his constituents have now been put starkly on notice by their DUP Assembly Member that he finds himself repulsed by them. This homophobia is a debilitating condition, which must surely affect his ability to effectively and sympathetically deal with their concerns.

Conservatives believe in a society free from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and sexuality; whether hundreds of Mr Paisley's constituents who are gay can feel effectively represented by a man with these previously suppressed issues remains to be seen."

The Conservative Party urges Mr. Paisley to seek immediate counselling, in order to help him deal with the problems faced by his gay constituents, and to help him work through what must be a troubling phobia. He should also apologise to his constituents now so needlessly left out in the cold by his comments.

"Mr Paisley's comments are just the latest in a stream of ridiculous hate-filled comments about LGBT people," said Conservative Future Northern Ireland Chairman Ben Archibald.

"He describes same-sex relationships as 'immoral, offensive and obnoxious', which many of his constituents might find a rather neat description of himself. His sneering approach to issues which really don't concern him one jot- I assume- is indicative of the intolerance of the man and the deep-seated bitterness permeating his political being. He really should seek sympathetic professional advice; or resign his seat."