Stormont Minister Nigel Dodds has thrown his weight behind DUP protests over a placard carried at the Belfast Pride event which read "Jesus is a fag" .

And Security Minister Paul Goggins has revealed that the Parades Commission is seeking a meeting with the march organisers following complaints about alleged breaches of its code.

The DUP were outraged when one participant was seen carrying the controversial placard during the colourful August 4 event.

Mr Dodds last week pursued the matter in a Parliamentary question to the Secretary of State.

The party's North Belfast MP asked what steps have been taken by the Parades Commission "in relation to offensive and blasphemous placards" displayed during Belfast Pride parade.

Mr Goggins, replying on behalf of the Secretary of State, said: "I have been advised by the Parades Commission that it has written to the parade organiser in relation to alleged breaches of its code of conduct at the Belfast Pride parade on 4 August 2007, and has sought a meeting to discuss the matter further."

He added: "The Commission is committed to use all of the information at its disposal, including reports from police, participants, authorised officers and monitors, to inform its review of any such parade in the future. "

The "Jesus is a fag" placard was branded " provocative" last August by East Belfast DUP councillor May Campbell, who called for an end to further gay and lesbian parades in the city.

"Belfast Pride claims to promote respect for diversity yet such a blasphemous, provocative placard was carried during the Gay Pride parade in Belfast," said Mrs Campbell.

"Whether the organising committee sanctioned the placard, or simply turned a blind eye, questions must be raised by those funding such events and the Parades Commission should be looking into the need for restrictions on any further parades."

She went on: "It is about time those who regulate such public displays clamp down on those continually attacking Christianity and the Christian values of this country."

But at the time Northern Ireland Gay Rights Association spokesman PA Maglochlainn rejected the criticism.

He said: "Someone participating in the parade was holding the placard. I defend the right of that person to carry it.

"To not allow someone to carry such a placard would restrict freedom of speech and religious freedom. The DUP shouldn't be so ready to shout blasphemy."