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Tories dispute 'gay sin' comments | Tories dispute 'gay sin' comments |
(10 minutes later) | |
A row has blown up over alleged comments on homosexuality by a Conservative Welsh assembly candidate. | A row has blown up over alleged comments on homosexuality by a Conservative Welsh assembly candidate. |
The Tories denied Labour claims that Clwyd West candidate Darren Millar told a meeting homosexuality was a "sin". | The Tories denied Labour claims that Clwyd West candidate Darren Millar told a meeting homosexuality was a "sin". |
Both party leader David Cameron, on a visit to Wales to support the election campaign, and Mr Millar insisted he had said he was against all discrimination. | |
Tories said he had pointed out some religious texts called homosexuality a sin, like other things, such as gossip. | Tories said he had pointed out some religious texts called homosexuality a sin, like other things, such as gossip. |
The Tories said the comments, to a public meeting at the Awelon centre in Ruthin, Denbighshire, were taken out of context. | The Tories said the comments, to a public meeting at the Awelon centre in Ruthin, Denbighshire, were taken out of context. |
As Mr Cameron toured the Vale of Glamorgan on Friday, he said: "He's already clarified and made clear that we should not discriminate against people on the ground of their sexuality. | |
"That is the position of the Conservative Party, we're a party that doesn't believe in discrimination." | "That is the position of the Conservative Party, we're a party that doesn't believe in discrimination." |
Labour Clwyd West candidate Alun Pugh said: "How on earth could any constituent, a gay man or a lesbian, approach him for help on an issue such as housing if Mr Millar carries around this prejudice?" | Labour Clwyd West candidate Alun Pugh said: "How on earth could any constituent, a gay man or a lesbian, approach him for help on an issue such as housing if Mr Millar carries around this prejudice?" |
Conservatives also denied Mr Pugh's claims that Mr Millar told voters that creationism should be taught in science lessons in Wales. Again, the Tories said Mr Millar had been misquoted. | |
Officials said he had told the meeting that faith schools should have the flexibility to include creationism in the curriculum. | Officials said he had told the meeting that faith schools should have the flexibility to include creationism in the curriculum. |
Mr Millar said: "I made it clear last night that I do not believe that anybody should be discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation, and it would be untrue to suggest that I said anything to the contrary. | |
"I did not say that creationism should be taught in all Welsh schools. However, I do fully support the rights of school governors, parents, and teachers, to have flexibility in their curriculum. This should be a matter for them and not for politicians. | |
"Alun Pugh is totally misrepresenting me on these subjects in an attempt to divert attention away from the key issues of health, education and community safety, on which Labour has failed the people of Clwyd West. | |
"This is a last-ditch, desperate attempt to save his seat in the assembly." |