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Petition against MP's homophobic comments

Acceptable in the Noughties?

Wednesday, 30 July 2008

Calls are being made this week to condemn DUP MP Iris Robinson and her views on homosexuality. She has stated in the past that all homosexuals should receive psychiatric counselling to cure them. She has also been reported as saying during a Northern Ireland Grand Committee meeting last month about risk assessment and management of sex offenders that that "there can be no viler act, apart from homosexuality, than sexually abusing innocent children."

Mrs Robinson denies she set out to suggest that homosexuality was worse than child abuse although an Hansard official said after checking the audio recordings of the meeting that she was satisfied that Robin’s comments were reported accurately.

She has always maintained her rights to express her religious convictions which no doubt allows her to make comments such as the one made recently on Radio Five Live when discussing a homophobic attack on a 27 year old gay man. "I have a very lovely psychiatrist who works with me in my offices and his Christian background is that he tries to help homosexuals - trying to turn away from what they are engaged in. I'm happy to put any homosexual in touch with this gentleman and I have met people who have turned around and become heterosexuals."

With many calling for the MP to be sanctioned, MP Stephen Curran has said Robinson’s recent comments are not acceptable and has set up a petition to protest. Signatures are being asked for and the petition closes on 9th August 2008.

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Robinson-Gay