Homosexuality is a lifestyle choice that he wouldn't want his two young sons to make, says Labour MP John Tamihere, who has apologised but not backed away from a series of homophobic statements made in an interview to a fundamentalist Christian journalist. Tamihere has worked out a deal to remain in the Labour Party, and has apologised for the comments he made to “Investigate” magazine – but only for the hurt caused, not the statements themselves. In an appearance on TV One's Close Up last night, Tamihere was asked whether he was anti-gay. He replied that he wasn't, but that he had two young sons and that if they chose homosexuality as a lifestyle that he wouldn't be happy. However, he'd still love them if they did. He denied rumours that he was angling for a move out to the Destiny Church party, saying their church would “fall down” if he did. His written apology described the “Investigate” interview as the biggest mistake of his life. "I want to express my sorrow for the feelings I've hurt, especially to the spouses and families of my colleagues and staff,” he said. “Everyone knows my attitudes and prejudices but in future I do not intend to express them in a way that hurts my colleagues, staff and their families."