Statement by TUV South Antrim Westminster candidate Richard Cairns:
“I welcome the fact that the Assembly has again rejected a Republican attempt to introduce same sex marriage to Northern Ireland.
“Marriage is a foundation on which society is built, an institution which is often about providing a nurturing environment with positive father and mother role models for children.
“To tamper with this in the name of equality is not something which should be done lightly. Indeed in my view the term equality is being misused by supporters of same sex marriage.
“I have no doubt that there will be many traditional Ulster Unionists who will be dismayed that Danny Kinahan both spoke and voted in support of this Sinn Fein motion.
“On Thursday week I offer those people, as well as the many who have in the past voted for the DUP but now feel let down by that party, the opportunity to vote for a real alternative in South Antrim.
“Today’s decision by Mr Kinahan has made it clear that TUV alone is the home for traditional Unionists who feel let down by the old parties of failure.”