Lord Maginnis in homophobia row

The former Ulster Unionist MP Lord Maginnis has quit the party after he was criticised for referring to gay marriage as "unnatural and deviant behaviour".

Lord Maginnis stands by his remarks, referring to "unnatural physical acts". He added: "These are people that seem to take some pride expressing their particular rights. I disagree with those rights." The party leader Mike Nesbitt and senior members were clearly embarrassed by his attack.

Lord Maginnis 74, from Dungannon, Co Tyrone, said yesterday it was time to leave. He said: "Currently there is no room for independent or logical thinking and that does not suit me."