DUP ex-minister quits National Trust over Pride support

A former DUP health minister in Northern Ireland has resigned his membership of the National Trust in part over its support for Belfast's gay pride march.

Jim Wells worked for the conservation group for a decade until 1998, when he was elected to Stormont.

He has been a member and donor for almost 20 years.

The South Down Assembly member cited as justification, "the apparent official representation of the Trust at yesterday's Gay Pride parade" as well as an article published recently in the Trust's magazine and events at Trust property Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk

There, staff were asked to wear badges and lanyards in support of an LGBTQ event, Prejudice and Pride, marking 50 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality.

Those who were uncomfortable wearing them were offered behind-the-scenes roles.

The Trust subsequently reversed their decision and said it would now be "optional" and volunteers would be allowed to resume their public-facing duties.

The South Down MLA released a statement, praising the "excellent work" the Trust does, in terms of conservation, but added, "It would be very wise to keep out of controversial social issues which have little of anything to do with its main objectives".

On Saturday, the conservation charity in Northern Ireland tweeted photos of its members taking part in Saturday's Belfast city centre demonstration.

A tweet from the organisation's Twitter account read, "Really fantastic to be part of #Belfastpride today.

"Supporting diversity and our LGTB colleagues."

Saturday's Belfast Pride parade was believed to be the largest yet in Northern Ireland.

The region remains the only part of the UK were same-sex marriage has not been legalised.

The DUP has used the petition of concern voting mechanism to prevent its legalisation, despite a majority of Assembly members supporting the move the last time a vote was held.

The party rejects any suggestion it is homophobic, insisting it is protecting the traditional definition of marriage.

Mr Wells resigned as health minister in 2015 over allegations he made homophobic comments at a hustings event.

His accuser subsequently admitted in court to having made false allegations against the DUP MLA who said at the time his reputation and political career had been destroyed as a result of the claims.