The new Northern Ireland First Minister says her party’s “very strong Christian values” will continue under her leadership.
Arlene Foster became First Minister on Monday after taking up the leadership of the DUP. Her predecessor was Peter Robinson.
In an interview with the Belfast News Letter, she said the party’s stance in support of life and traditional marriage would not change.
No apology
Responding to a question about abortion and marriage, she added: “The DUP is – and we make no apology for this – founded on very strong Christian values as you know.
“We as a party will continue to have those very strong Christian values and part of that is in and around the traditional view in terms of marriage.”
Foster also commented that “just because we believe in the traditional view of marriage doesn’t mean that we denigrate anyone who doesn’t agree with that”.
Marriage
Last month, speaking on BBC Radio 4, Foster said the DUP “very firmly” believes that marriage is between a man and a woman.
Foster was interviewed by the Today programme’s Mishal Husain about where she stood on social issues, “particularly on gay marriage”.
She replied that, “the style may change but the fundamentals of the DUP remain the same and that’s certainly one of the issues that we are very clear about”.
Rejected
Foster said, “we very firmly believe that marriage is an institution between a man and a woman and that should remain the same”.
The Stormont Assembly in Belfast has consistently rejected same-sex marriage – voting on the issue five times since 2012.