The Conservative MP said he was not homophobic and had "people in my life who are important to me who are gay".

BBC: David Jones

Mr Feliciano has denied being homophobic or racist, but anger about his comments has only spread further the more people heard about them.

BBC: Brazil's outrage over 'racist' evangelical politician

Wasley also highlights continuing casual homophobia in the UK, citing Stonewall research suggesting more than half of gay, lesbian and bisexual young people have been bullied at school and Home Office records of 4, 200 homophobic hate crimes in England and Wales last year.

CNN: Opinion: Why the fuss about gay marriage?