'Totally misinterpreted' - DUP councillor John Carson who blamed Coronavirus on abortion and same sex marriage says comments were picked up wrong

Alderman Carson caused widespread shock and outrage when he claimed there was a link between the deadly Coronavirus pandemic and Northern Ireland's new abortion and same sex marriage legislation.

"Folks yesterday afternoon l put a post on Facebook which was taken by some and totally misinterpreted, anyone who knows me will know that l would not intentionally set out to cause hurt or offence to anyone and if l did then for that l humbly apologise," he said.

"However, l will never apologise for my Christian faith and will not be silenced by those that are opposed to the truth of God's word."

Alderman Carson penned a public status update on his personal Facebook profile on Tuesday.

"I said when abortion was legalised that our nation would be judged by God because of its departure from his word and the legalisation of the murder of the unborn child as well as same sex marriage," wrote Alderman Carson.

"I was laughed at and mocked by some but as l said at the time they laughed at Noah until the rain started.

"You reap what you sow and our nation is now reaping the judgement of God because of an immoral and corrupt government.

"It is time to repent and turn again to the God of our fathers," declared Alderman Carson.

The DUP distanced itself from Alderman's Carson post.

Alliance Party Councillor, Patricia O'Lynn called on the DUP to suspend Alderman Carson.

Colr. O'Lynn issued the statement calling for the suspension of Alderman Carson before he published his apology on Facebook.

Thirty-six people have died in Northern Ireland after testing positive for COVID-19 - almost 3,000 people have died across the entire United Kingdom.

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