DUP man criticised for linking LGBT community with Hamas support

A Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) councillor has been criticised over comments linking the LGBT community with support for Hamas.

Colin Kennedy made the remarks at Ards and North Down Borough Council during a debate on the Israel-Gaza war.

He said those who "endorse the LGBTQIA alphabet soup agenda... are now seeking to defend Hamas".

The Alliance Party said it was "disgusted" by the comments.

"Any mainstream party anywhere else in these islands would have suspended this councillor by now," an Alliance spokesman said.

The DUP and Mr Kennedy have been approached for comment.

Mr Kennedy was speaking on Wednesday as councillors debated a DUP motion condemning attacks by Hamas on Israel and expressing hope for "an end to the bloodshed in Israel and Gaza".

The councillor said: "Do not be surprised when those who enthusiastically endorse the LGBTQIA alphabet soup agenda in the West are the very same people who are now seeking to defend Hamas."

Alliance councillor Hannah Irwin, the council's deputy mayor, urged Mr Kennedy to retract his comments.

"As a member of the LGBTQ community I feel pretty personally offended by it," she added.

The mayor who was chairing the meeting, DUP councillor Jennifer Gilmour, said: "I don't feel that the comments were directed towards a personal individual in the room.

"It's up to the member as to whether he wishes to withdraw his comments."

Mr Kennedy said he would not withdraw his remarks, but added he was happy to speak to Ms Irwin afterwards to "assuage any concerns she might have".

Independent councillor Ray McKimm, who is gay, left the chamber in response to the exchange.

He told BBC News NI he plans to make a complaint to the local government watchdog against Mr Kennedy over the "offensive" remarks.

He also said he would make a complaint against the council over its handling of the matter.

A council spokeswoman said: "The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour, dealt with the discussion at last night's council meeting in line with council standing orders."

Green Party councillor Rachel Woods also said she would be raising the issue with the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.

She added: "The fact that a number of elected representatives left the meeting, one removing himself completely, showed the deep hurt that his (Mr Kennedy's) comments caused.

"He was given ample opportunity to apologise and retract his statement and refused to do so. I will be bringing this up to the ombudsman as a complaint."

The Palestinian militant group Hamas - which is designated as a terrorist group by the UK and many other countries - launched an unprecedented assault on Israel earlier this month, with hundreds of gunmen infiltrating communities near the Gaza Strip.

More than 1,400 Israelis were killed, while the Israeli military says more than 220 soldiers and civilians were taken to Gaza as hostages.

The Hamas-run health ministry says 7,000 people have been killed since Israeli air strikes on Gaza began.