Northern Ireland's Health Minister Jim Wells has resigned, just days after he made controversial comments relating to gay parents.

The DUP MLA has issued a statement, in which he says he is taking the decision to step down to look after his sick wife.

It comes just days after he came under fire for saying children brought up by same-sex couples were far more likely to be abused or neglected.

And over the weekend, Mr Wells is also reported to have been critical of a lesbian couple's lifestyle while canvassing in Rathfriland.

But he says he has already apologised for his comments and did not mean to cause hurt or offend anyone.

"At no time did I set out to hurt or offend anyone and it has upset me greatly that the comments made have caused distress to some within our community."

"I am deeply saddened that some of those who represent a different viewpoint from me have attacked my family and me in a deeply personal, nasty and in some cases threatening way. Some of the outbursts on social media have been particularly abusive and menacing in nature," he added.

He says he now needs to spend more time looking after his wife, who has suffered two major strokes this year.

The new minister will take up their position on May 11th.

The North's First Minister Peter Robinson said: "I place on record my thanks, and that of my party, for Jim's service and trust everyone will accept the stress and strain Jim has encountered over these past months and offer him and his family support and encouragement as Grace battles her illness."

Meanwhile Northern Ireland has been branded a discriminatory backwater for gay and lesbian people.

That is according to Amnesty International, ahead of a vote on same-sex marriage in the Stormont Assembly later.

It is the forth time the issue will be debated there.

The human rights organisation says if it is not passed, legal action will be taken.

Patrick Corrigan says people there want a change and that Northern Ireland cannot be left behind.