DUP councillor who supported LGBTQ community resigns from party
Tom Smith helped push through a motion to light a town hall in rainbow colours
By Steve Brown
DUP councillor who supported the LGBTQ community has resigned from the party.
Tom Smith helped push through a motion in December which will see Ards Town Hall illuminated in rainbow colours to mark the start of LGBT Awareness Week but last month, he blasted the DUP after he was not selected to run for elections again.
He said at the time: “I have always believed, and continue to believe: people first, party second. That will not change.
“During my remaining time as a councillor I will do my best to continue to serve you and in everything, try and build a borough for everyone.”
And now, the councillor has taken to Twitter to confirm that he is no longer a member of the anti-LGBTQ party.
He wrote: “As of today I have resigned from the DUP. If anyone is looking for @tomsmithDUP he is gone! But you can still get me at @CllrTomSmith !”
As of today I have resigned from the DUP. If anyone is looking for @tomsmithDUP he is gone! But you can still get me at @CllrTomSmith !
— Tom Smith (@CllrTomSmith) March 18, 2019
The DUP has a history of anti-gay and anti-abortion laws and although homosexuality is legal in Northern Ireland, same-sex marriage is yet to be legalised despite pressure from LGBT+ activists.