Lib Dem chief Tim Farron finally admits he does NOT think gay sex is a sin after days of ducking the question
The party leader said today he didn't want people getting the wrong impression of him
LIB DEM chief Tim Farron has finally admitted he does NOT think gay sex is a sin after days of ducking the question.
The party leader said today he didn't want people getting the wrong impression of him.
This is the second time in a week that Mr Farron has been forced to clarify his views on homosexuality.
Just days ago he admitted he did not think that being gay was a sin after mounting pressure from celebrities and fellow politicians.
He came under fire after he ducked the issue on Channel 4 News.
Eventually he was asked in the House of Commons: "Does he think that being gay is a sin?"
Mr Farron replied: "I do not.
"And I tell you what, I am very proud to have gone through the lobby behind him in the coalition government where the Liberal Democrats introduced gay marriage, equal marriage, and indeed did not go as far as it should have done in terms of recognising transgender rights."
But then the Lib Dem chief - who is hoping to pick up a string of seats in this June's snap poll - refused to answer questions on whether he thought gay sex in itself was a sin.
MOST READ IN POLITICS
On ITV's Peston on Sunday, he reacted angrily to questioning on the issue, as MPs claimed his lack of clarity was "pretty offensive".
Questioned if sex between consenting adults was a sin, Mr Farron told ITV political editor Robert Peston: “Robert, if I’m honest with you, it’s possible I’m not the only person who is getting tired of this line of questioning.”
Today he told the BBC: "I don't believe gay sex is a sin. I take the view though that as a political leader, my job is not to pontificate on theological matters".
He said he didn't want people to "get the wrong impression" about his views.
"I am quite careful about how I talk about my faith," he said. "I don't bang on about it, but I don't make a secret of it."
And he said he wanted to focus on other issues - like health, social care and Brexit.