SPI Statement on anti-Gay remarks made by Iris Robinson

national | rights, freedoms and repression | press release

Friday June 06, 2008 23:59

by Caoimhain Ceallaigh - Starry Plough Initiative

Say no to bigotry - Starry Plough Initiative

Iris Robinson of the DUP has, today, claimed that people of a homosexual orientation should seek help from psychiatrists in order to be "turned around" referring to their sexuality. It is unbelievable that a member of an assembly responsible for the lives of others can come out and make these sorts of ignorant comments putting people's lives and well being in jeopardy. Shocked by the homophobic and ignorant comments, the Starry Plough Initiative wishes to make a statement...

The Starry Plough Initiative would like to register its outrage and disgust by the ignorant, homophobic and frankly stone-aged comments made by the wife of the first minister of the 'Northern Ireland Assembly' Iris Robinson directed at the Gay community and homosexuality in general. Our statement is in response to remarks made by Iris Robinson about how Gay people should go to psychiatrists to be ‘turned around’ after hearing a young man was seriously beaten in Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim because of his sexual-orientation.

Her remarks clearly demonstrate the bigoted, right wing nature of the Democratic Unionist Party. There is nothing democratic about bigotry, there is nothing democratic about ignorance, there is nothing democratic about elitism and the Starry Plough Initiative are, frankly, shocked that the DUP think it is okay or correct to come out in public and make these comments in the 21st century or any century for that matter. It is not surprising that this story seemed to be completely omitted from any mainstream news publication in Ireland and Britain.

People’s sexual-orientation is nobody’s business but their own. Our friends in the Gay community contribute as much to the community and economy than anyone who is heterosexual. They should not be treated any differently and they should not be made targets for attack simply because of their sexuality.

The Starry Plough Initiative would like to state that it is not okay and it is not right to make these types of bigoted comments that conform more to a fascist mentality rather than a democratic one as the DUP claim to do. The DUP have again and again blackened the name of democracy and we would call upon anyone who shares our beliefs make their voices heard and protest against these comments.
How can someone with so much responsibility for the lives and health of working people in any part of Ireland hold such beliefs? By making these comments, Iris Robinson, is putting at risk the lives and well being of anyone who is in any way different and threatens a diverse future Ireland.

We would say to Iris Robinson that we believe she should take a class in human ethics and human rights before she attempts to take any responsibility for people’s lives in the Assembly in Stormont and we would also say to anyone who stands beside or behind her to distance themselves from the comments made, because those who stand with her are just as guilty. The people of the North should not allow bigotry to control their lives and continue to put people’s lives at risk.

The Starry Plough Initiative stands solid with all the working people in this country regardless of Religion, age or sexual-orientation and would like to offer our hand in support, friendship and solidarity for anyone who has been affected by bigotry of any sort at any time, bigotry which seems to be endorsed by the head of the state of Northern Ireland. It is very clear to the Starry Plough Initiative that the state of Northern Ireland is built on bigotry, is headed by bigotry and should be dismantled along with the bigoted mentality of the DUP.

Caoimhain Ceallaigh (Starry Plough Initiative)
http://theplough.proboards57.com/

Statement Ends.

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Comments (5 of 5)

democracy

by laura

Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:39

I was really wound up by the news item feeling so helpless and disempowered and wanting somewhere to register my disgust and fears about a health minister being so divisive and inequitable - Who next what has she to say about my constituency of mental health.
I am also bothered about the pscyhiatrist who turns people round in the name of counselling.

I cannot bear the thought that this event will disapear into the ether as so much else does in Northern Ireland as the base line of normality is so skewed.

I was also gutted to hear that peter robinson proclaimed in response that he is guided in all matters by his god where does this fit into being responsible for those in the province who dont share that god?

I serioulsy want soemthing concrete like a book of condolence for the twice over victim and a registration of protest. i'll do anything.

out

by lulu

Sat Jun 07, 2008 22:21

Condolences to victims of hate attacks, but maybe it's as well that the DUP's fundamentalist attitudes are out in the open for discussion. I hope that most people don't think they speak for the majority of Christians, who mainly have their own opinions on people's sexuality. A lot of faiths tend to want their adherents to breed more of the faithful, so they don't get outnumbered by the other religions; oppression of homosexuals & denial of women's reproductive rights come from this source.

Iris

by normal bloke - none

Sun Jun 08, 2008 21:24

You are right Kevin but to the DUP types it is as much cultural as anything. Not long ago in the sainted Republic someone said to me that gays could be cured if they wanted - and some were just plain evil. Their idea is that gays are straight people who want to try something different. She's a soft target all considered, and unfortunately no TD / MLA is actually "responsible for the lives of others" or else they would all be sued all day long.

Prosecute her

by G0dbluff

Wed Jun 11, 2008 13:57

This woman is an obscenity. I'm not one for actively protesting but this really wound me up. It would be nice to think she would be prosecuted for this but it is unlikely. I do however hope that the volume of protest against her brings about a resignation or even better a humiliating sacking.

Irisgate

by Make Iris Robinson History

Wed Jun 18, 2008 14:27

I run a site over on Facebook called 'Lets tell Iris Robinson where she can stick it!' (as mentioned in the Irish News)
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29343385488

It's not a definitive source of information, but in the 12 days that has existed has got over 2700 members! It's place to share relevant information, complaint strategies, share letter templates, feed back on responses sent, and of course moan!

There was also a public meeting held at Clanmill house in Belfast, hosted by the Coalition on Sexual Orientation (CoSO), chaired by the BBC's William Crawley. Over 150 attended, with many turned away due to the capacity of the venue.
CoSo may put up some kind of action plan on their site (as a result of the meeting) for people who are feeling a bit helpless in not knowing what to do.http://www.coso.org.uk/

So you need not feel alone.

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SPI Statement on anti-Gay remarks made by Iris Robinson

Comments (5 of 5)