In an exclusive interview with the News Letter, Ian Paisley Jnr tackled head-on the controversy he ignited by saying he was "repulsed" by gays and lesbians. He did not withdraw his remarks and apologise, as demanded by other MLAs. Instead, he clarified: "I do not hate homosexuals. I do not hate anyone. I was not brought up to hate anyone.
"I was asked for my view. I do not think my answer was outrageous or offensive. If you look in the Oxford English Dictionary for the definition of repulsion, it is disgust. That is my personal opinion... and I was honest."
Mr Paisley is potentially facing censure by the Assembly for his comments. But a BBC radio phone poll yesterday revealed overwhelming public support for his right to air his thoughts – prompting a countrywide debate on censorship and freedom of expression....