A local assembly in Kanazawa Prefecture has passed a resolution Thursday urging a 71-year-old assemblyman to resign.

The assembly condemned Tsurusashi's comments as  a grave infringement of human rights and greatly hurt the trust in and dignity of the assembly.

Last week, Tsurusashi posted on twitter that mass media were irresponsible for commending gay people. In one tweet he called gay people "abnormal animals."

After a flood of criticism this week the remarks were taken down. Tsurusashi told reporters that he was drunk at the time and meant the comments playfully.

He also submitted an apology letter to the assembly chairman in which he said he would "atone by vigorously pushing forward activities as an assembly member, deepening understanding of LGBT issues and rendering a service for citizens through political activities."

Tsurusashi also offered to forgo his pay for December but effectively refused to resign.