Prospect strongly condemns someone with these views being invited to speak in parliament.

It has been reported by the Times that a pastor who opposes gay marriage and believes relationship and sex education is “sexualising” children has been invited to speak in parliament by the DUP’s leader at Westminster.

The Times says that the Rev Lynda Rose is expected to warn that relationship and sex education (RSE) in schools has been “taken over by ideologues and special interest groups who wish to promote their own agendas”. She will be addressing the Lords and Commons Family and Child Protection Group.

Garry Graham, Prospect deputy general secretary, responding, said:

“Prospect strongly condemns someone with these views being invited to speak in parliament.

“Staff working in parliament, including LGBT staff, should not have to help support and facilitate events at which their very existence is denied or described as part of a ‘tide of darkness’.

“We will be raising this issue with the parliamentary authorities.”