Alliance – Wells must apologise and retract his remarks

Alliance North Down MLA, Stephen Farry, has said that Jim Wells must apologise and retract the remarks he made in which he alleged that facts indicated that children raised by same sex couples are far more likely to be abused or neglected. Dr Farry said that if he is unwilling to do so then his credibility as Health Minister is totally compromised.

Mr Wells was speaking at a South Down election hustings hosted by the Down Recorder.

Stephen Farry MLA said: “Jim Wells must immediately retract these disgraceful and inaccurate comments, and give an unequivocal apology. As Health Minister, he has responsibilities around social care and also for implementing changes to adoption law, including abiding by recent court judgements.

“Jim Wells’ statement that was issued by the DUP press office, makes no attempt to apologise for these hurtful remarks, showing once again the DUP’s refusal to acknowledge when they are in the wrong.

“There is absolutely no link between the incidence of abuse and neglect and the sexual orientation of parents. Nor indeed, if there is any difference between two parent and single parent households.

“Alliance will be looking to raise this matter with Assembly officials and ask them to investigate whether he has broken any Assembly rules.

“His credibility in office has been seriously undermined by these remarks.”

ENDS