The Liberal Democrat leader, Tim Farron has said that he does not think that being gay is a sin.
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Tim Farron said that he did not think that being gay was a sin.
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He said he was proud that the Liberal Democrats were able, with the Coalition Government to introduce same-sex marriage.
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He said there was still so much more to be done and called for an “open, tolerant, united society”.
Tim Farron has answered that he does not consider homosexuality a sin, following a direct questioning in the House of Commons today.
Asked by Tory backbencher Nigel Evans on whether he thought being gay was a sin, the Westmorland and Lonsdale MP answered,
“I do not. I tell you what, I am very proud to have gone through that lobby behind him there 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.
“There is much more to be done and if we campaign in this election – as we will – for an open, tolerant, united society then we need to make sure that we do not in any way be complacent about LGBT rights not just here but in other parts of the world.
“In particular what is going on in Chechnya at the moment.”
The answer comes after the Lib Dem leader failed to answer Cathy Newman’s question on Channel 4 News.
Ms Newman asked,
“A while back I asked you if you thought that homosexuality was a sin and you struggled to answer.
“Now you’ve had a while to consider that question, what is the answer?”
Mr Farron replied, “I don’t think I struggled to answer it at all, Cathy. I think I’m not in the position to make theological announcements over the next six weeks.
“I’m not going to spend my time talking theology or making pronouncements.”
