Allan Bell has confirmed the 'open secret' that he's gay in a UK newspaper.

Discussing the same sex marriage issue in the Guardian, Mr Bell says: 'People know that I'm gay. I've never made a secret of it, but no-one has ever asked me.'

The article focuses on the fact that homosexuality in the Isle of Man was not decriminalised until 1992. Mr Bell says he's been in a relationship with another man for 21 years. But he says he's not personally convinced about the idea of getting married.

Mr Bell talks about 'demeaning' anti-gay rants from fellow MHKs in the House of Keys before decriminalisation.

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