A DEMOCRATIC Unionist Party member has launched legal proceedings against the BBC.
DUP MLA Jim Wells is seeking damages against the BBC in relation to a report that was broadcast in April last year.
Mr Wells has said he is determined to restore his name and integrity after being accused of making controversial comments linking child abuse and gay relationships during a hustings event.
The Irish Post can confirm that writs have been lodged in the High Court in Belfast against Stephan Nolan and the BBC.
The comments were broadcast on Radio Ulster's Nolan Show. Above, host Stephen Nolan. Picture: BBCMr Wells has consistently claimed the comments were "doctored" and gave a misleading impression of what he said.
It is understood the comments in question were broadcast on Radio Ulster's The Nolan Show in April last year were Mr Wells claims he was misquoted as saying: "You don't bring a child up in a homosexual relationship. That the child is far more likely to be abused and neglected."
A correct transcript of his speech was later released from the event.
In it Mr Wells says: "All evidence throughout the world says the best way to raise children is in a loving, stable, married relationship; the facts show that, the facts show that certainly you don’t bring a child up in a homosexual relationship.
"That a child is far more likely to be abused or neglected, (uproar among audience) I say again, I say again, a child is far more likely to be abused or neglected in a non stable marriage situation, gay or straight."
Mr Wells has said his career was "totally destroyed by completely false allegations".
"I have a long battle ahead to clear my name, but I will see it through. It has been a trying time, but I can see things coming into line.
"I will stop at nothing to clear my name. I am going to restore my name and integrity," he told the Belfast Telegraph.
Days after the event Mr Wells stood down as Health Minister for Northern Ireland, citing his wife's ill health as the reason for his resignation.
A BBC Northern Ireland spokeswoman said: “We have no comment to make at this stage.”
The Irish Post contacted McConnell Kelly Solicitors of Belfast, Co. Antrim, who are acting on behalf of Mr Wells.
They have yet to comment on the matter.
