Meet the DUP homophobes who now hold the keys to power in the UK

Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party looks set to gain a strong grip over the UK government.

The Conservative Party failed to get an overall majority in last week’s General Election, and must now try to secure an agreement with another party in order to govern.

The Tories are currently in discussions with Northern Ireland’s ultra-conservative Democratic Unionist Party, which is strongly opposed to LGBT rights.

The DUP has stalled all progress on equal marriage in Northern Ireland, and previously supported the introduction of a ‘conscience clause’ to protect people who discriminate against LGBT people.

But the anti-LGBT policies of the party pales in comparison to the attitudes of most of its MPs that Theresa May will have to appease.

Ian Paisley Jr MP

One of the ten MPs that the Tories want to bring onside, the son of ‘Save Ulster from Sodomy’ founder Ian Paisley is very much in the mould of his father.

Paisley Jr has spoken of his “hatred” of homosexuality, saying: “I am pretty repulsed by gay and lesbianism. I think it is wrong. I think that those people harm themselves and – without caring about it – harm society.”

The MP defended his comments in 2013, saying: “I am repulsed by many things.The actions, and not specifically the individuals. I am repulsed by people who are not homosexual as well sometimes.”

Sammy Wilson MP

• Nov 29

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