OP - people DO learn, grow, and change their opinions. Is it not possible that this fellow is actually SINCERE in his regret for his statements...? Can't you forgive the errors of the past, and judge based on the work he's done since then...? (Which, from what I've seen in the newspapers, is actually pretty worthwhile...) Or is he just the most convenient target to spew venom at?
He was 40, in the time since he has voted against gay measures, and he got his seat by replacing another MP who made a statement about outlawing homosexuals.
He's also part of a party that makes consistent negative remarks about homosexuals.