THE partner of the MP whose death was linked to his sexuality by Glasgow's new Archbishop said he has been inundated with support from Scottish Catholics expressing their disgust at the remarks.
Dermot Kehoe, partner of the late David Cairns for 14 years, also contradicted reports he was due to meet Archbishop-elect Philip Tartaglia, insisting he had received no invite.
The Archdiocese of Glasgow said it would be up to Mr Kehoe to request such a meeting and that as yet none had been made.
It comes as Bishop Tartaglia claims Scotland is grateful for the Catholic Church's moral stance on political issues and that there is a lack of rationality in the same-sex marriage debate.
Mr Cairns, a former Scotland Office minister, died aged 44 of acute pancreatitis last May.
On Tuesday, the day he was announced as Glasgow's next Archbishop, it emerged Bishop Tartaglia had claimed his premature death could be linked with his homosexuality.
Last night, Mr Kehoe said: "I've been inundated with messages of support from Catholics in Scot- land, expressing their disgust at the comments the archbishop has made. These messages are telling me that these comments show just how out of touch the hierarchy is with its congregations and the Scotland of today.
"So far he hasn't apologised or shown any contrition. The Catholic Church is totally standing by what the bishop has said. Any talk of a meeting is a smokescreen to avoid confronting their own prejudices."
But later a spokesman for the archbishop-elect said: "In answer to those who have questioned the Archbishop's previous statement, he apologises unreservedly for hurt caused and offence given by his comments."
Meanwhile, a leading expert on Scotland's Catholic community warned Bishop Tartaglia's comments could represent a watershed for the Church by alienating congregations.
Dr Peter Lynch, a senior lecturer in politics at Stirling University, also said most Scottish Catholics were liberal.
He said: "It could well emerge as a watershed moment for the Catholic Church in Scotland. The worst thing was Bishop Tartaglia wasn't talking about a stranger and he personalised the issue too much.
"For many Catholics, talking about a parishioner like that appears out of touch."
In his interview, Bishop Tartaglia said: "When the media wants a clear Christian voice it comes to the Catholic Church.
"People at large are generally grateful for the Catholic voice on this, even if they are too afraid to say this. If we don't speak, nobody will speak."
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