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14/06/2012
UUP To Meet After Homosexuality Row
A row has broken out in unionism over attitudes to homosexuality.
The leader of the Ulster Unionist Party has called an extraordinary meeting of its policy-making body to affirm its position on gay marriage.
The move comes after the party tried to distance itself from comments made by peer Lord Maginnis.
Yesterday, the Ulster Unionist peer called homosexuality "unnatural" and "deviant" in a radio debate about increased homophobia in Northern Ireland, and asked if "the next thing" would be "legislation for some sort of bestiality".
The party released the following short statement shortly after his on-air assertions: "Lord Maginnis was speaking on the BBC Radio Ulster Nolan Show this morning in a personal capacity without our knowledge or permission and his comments do not reflect Ulster Unionist Party policy."
Today, leader Mike Nesbitt took a strong stance against the controversial comments.
He has sent a fire-fighting e-mail to party members, saying they should "receive clearance from the party press office" before speaking to the media.
And he said: "I have no desire to be a member of any organisation that equates homosexuality to bestiality."
It is expected that he will push for affirmation that gay marriage is a "matter of personal opinion" for members of the party.
Speaking after appearing on the Nolan Show, Lord Maginnis said: "I am not ashamed of what I said. I'm not ashamed of the stance I took."
(NE)
The leader of the Ulster Unionist Party has called an extraordinary meeting of its policy-making body to affirm its position on gay marriage.
The move comes after the party tried to distance itself from comments made by peer Lord Maginnis.
Yesterday, the Ulster Unionist peer called homosexuality "unnatural" and "deviant" in a radio debate about increased homophobia in Northern Ireland, and asked if "the next thing" would be "legislation for some sort of bestiality".
The party released the following short statement shortly after his on-air assertions: "Lord Maginnis was speaking on the BBC Radio Ulster Nolan Show this morning in a personal capacity without our knowledge or permission and his comments do not reflect Ulster Unionist Party policy."
Today, leader Mike Nesbitt took a strong stance against the controversial comments.
He has sent a fire-fighting e-mail to party members, saying they should "receive clearance from the party press office" before speaking to the media.
And he said: "I have no desire to be a member of any organisation that equates homosexuality to bestiality."
It is expected that he will push for affirmation that gay marriage is a "matter of personal opinion" for members of the party.
Speaking after appearing on the Nolan Show, Lord Maginnis said: "I am not ashamed of what I said. I'm not ashamed of the stance I took."
(NE)
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