A Ukip election candidate has been forced to apologise for saying it's OK for businesses to refuse to serve women and gay people.
Donna Edmunds, who is standing for parliament in the Lewes constituency in East Sussex, made the comments on a local internet forum.
She said:
"I believe that all business owners, Christian, Muslim, gay, straight, should be allowed to withhold their services from whomever they chose whenever they chose. It's their business. Why should they be FORCED to serve or sell to anyone?"
She later told the Brighton Argus "I'm a libertarian so I don't think the state should have a role on who business owners serve.
"I wouldn't refuse to serve gay people. I'm not saying their position is a correct one. I'm saying they should be free to make that choice themselves."
A source within the party said Edmunds' comments didn't reflect official party policy, but her own libertarian views.
Asked whether the freedom to refuse service should extend to race or nationality, the source said:
"On a point of principle, there might be an argument for it. That doesn't mean I agree with it. There are uncomfortable things about freedom and that includes the freedom to be ghastly."
A Ukip spokesperson said: "Ms Edmonds comments appear somewhat misguided and we do not endorse the position intimated, but we believe she has apologised for the remarks."
Edmunds walked back her comments this morning, saying "I regret what I wrote and can see how an essentially libertarian stance could be broadly misinterpreted. I in no way endorse any form of discrimination.
"I believe in cutting red tape for business and I also strongly believe in an individual's personal and religious freedoms, but I stand against any form of prejudice. I hope this remark has not caused any embarrassment for the party."
It's not the first time Edmunds' remarks have got her into trouble - she was forced to quit as lead councillor for communications in Lewes after calling a constituent a "village idiot" on Twitter
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