I thought I'd heard it all, but Iris Robinson's suggestion that people who engage in the "abomination" of being part of the LGBT community could be 'turned' from their ways by a visit to a psychiatrist will really take some beating.
Despite the fact that her husband is supposed to promote equality in his role as First Minister, Iris Robinson's comments are a slap in the face of those who actually believe that people have the right to be treated equally, not to mention the victims of hate attacks such as 27-year old Stephen Scott who two days previously was assaulted by a gang of youths, suffering head and leg injuries. What kind of message does this send out?
The suggestion that living an 'alternative' lifestyle is an illness which needs fixed by a shrink would be hilarious if was coming from a punch-drunk rambling crackpot. But Iris Robinson is an MP, MLA and perhaps most worryingly, Chair of the Assembly's Health Committee. Here we have one of the most powerful people in the area of health suggesting that people can be 'turned' through medical help. Professor Michael King of the Royal Society of Psychiatrists has hit back by saying that there is fifty years of research rejecting such claims, adding: "Such treatments do not work and can actually cause quite a lot of harm."
Meanwhile, ship-jumper Andrew Muir has reported Robinson's comments to the PSNI for investigation.
It's also been surprising that there haven't been more calls from other parties for Robinson to be sacked from her role as Health chair. Perhaps they're worried they'll upset their conservative supporters, but wrong is wrong and comments like this need to be kicked into touch by all right-thinking members of society. Likewise, DUP voters must recognise that every time they support the party, they are supporting the propagation of views like this.
This is the 21st century. The world has moved on. It's about time Iris Robinson and her flat-earth brigade caught up.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Has Iris Robinson Lost The Plot?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
11 comments:
Perhaps, after a trip to a psychiatrist, this lady will get straightened out and then she can buckle down to some serious problems like, maybe, left handed people. Now there's a real problem and I'm sure with a little effort she'll be able to cure that.
Iris should get a life and get real!
good one el matador:some updates for you from utvlive:
Police have been asked to investigate comments made by the wife of the DUP leader about homosexuality.
South Belfast District Policing Partnership member John O`Doherty claims that attacks against the gay community could follow her remarks.
Last week, the DUP Strangford MP said that homosexuality was an abomination and claimed it could be overcome by counselling.
Mr O`Doherty, who is also Co-Chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board LGBT Reference Group, has made a formal complaint about the remarks.
He said: "I find it amazing that one year after the comments made by Ian Paisley Junior we have similar comments being made by Iris Robinson.
Elected representatives should be leaders in our communities and should condemn hate crime at every possible occasion, not be the cause of it.
People like Mrs Robinson need to learn that their comments have consequences and they must abide by the law like everyone else.
Incitement to hatred is a serious crime. Comments like this result can result in Homophobic attacks and to LGBT people attempting suicide."
Mr O`Doherty added: "I have made a formal complaint to the PSNI and I will be pushing this issue through the DPP and the NIPB LGBT Reference Group."
I bet Iris wears mixed fibres. I wonder if Jeffrey Donaldson will be true to his theist self and put her to death accordingly. No? So only some of 'scripture' is appropriate for the modern age? How convenient!
Iris IS a leader in HER community and probably truly representative of it. The fact that she only offers counselling would seem to mark her as a softie.
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Robinson-Gay/
I wonder could Iris direct me to this pycharatrist I think I need some help - with the crew that is supposedly running the North - God help us!
El Mat, comments like calling Andrew a 'ship-jumper' are beneath you.
The guy exercised his right to follow a different political flag, and you can hardly say it was for fortune or vanity given who he joined.
It is sad that he left the fold, as he had done alot of brave ground-breaking creating the LGBT group within the party.
Good luck to him.
John-
I referred to Andrew as a ship-jumper' because, erm, he jumped ship. Just as I have previously described Donaldson and Foster as such. It's not passing judgement on their decision, it's merely stating a fact. Plus, there was no mention from me that Andrew did it for "fortune or vanity", nor did I criticise his contribution to LGBT rights (hence the fact I name-checked him). Perhaps you're just reading too much into it.
El Mat
I accept the literality of your argument but i would draw a distinction between those who stand on a ticket and then re-brand into another party as an elected representative i.e. Donaldson et al and someone who is merely an activist.
I didn't say you were slating his contibution to the party. I just thought the label was a tad un-necessry? but we can agree to dis-agree because i'm always concious of the fact that tone and facial expression are lacking in email/blog and i don't want you thinking i was 'having a go'.
The fortune/vanity reference was merely to distinguish him from the likes of Donaldson who jump to preserve political careers.
Fair enough. It is worth noting though that one of the very parties who acted like idiots towards Andrew in North Down was none other than Alliance.
Post a Comment