The leader of the UK's Liberal Democratics has stated that he does not believe gay sex is not a sin.

Tim Farron, a committed Christian, has previously said he does not believe being gay is a sin but has not said whether he believes gay sex is a sin.

He has declined to answer directly questions on the issue on numerous occasions over the past few days. 

But this evening, speaking on BBC Radio 4's PM Programme, he finally said he does not believe gay sex is a sin. 

He had declined to answer it in the past because he was not in a position to make theological argument.

'I don't believe gay sex is a sin. I take the view that as a political leader my job is not to pontificate on theological matters.' Instead, he would prefer to talk about politics.

'I am quite careful about how I talk about my faith. I do not bang on about it, I do not make a secret out of it,' he said, but he accepted it was now important to answer the question, because it had become 'an issue'. On whether gay sex is a sin, he said: 'It's not. And I don't feel it is.'

He did not want to get into 'theological nitpicking'.

'People's faith is private. It is up to them to decide how they make these interpretations.' Separating faith from polticis meant he should not be trying to impose beliefs on others. 

In the main his voting record in the House of Commons has been supportive of LGBT rights, although in 2007,  he voted against the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations, under which it became illegal to refuse goods and services to people because of their sexual orientation. He has also not accepted any invitations to attend and speak at his local LGBT pride.