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09/06/2008
Police To Investigate Robinson Gay Comments
Police have confirmed they are investigating comments made by a DUP MP who criticised homosexual practices as "an abomination".
Iris Robinson, the chair of the Stormont health committee, speaking on BBC Radio Ulster’s Nolan Show on Friday, also said she believed gay people could be "turned around".
She said: "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 them away from what they are engaged in."
John O'Doherty, a South Belfast District Policing Partnership member has revealed he has filed a complaint with the police over the comments, saying: "I find it amazing that one year after the complaints made by Ian Paisley Junior we have similar comments made by Iris Robinson."
He added: "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 can result in homophobic attacks and to LGBT people attempting suicide."
Sinn Fein MLA Martina Anderson called on Mrs Robinson to apologise for her remarks and also said that such an "outrageous comment" called into question her suitability as chair of the Assembly's Health Committee.
Mrs Robinson’s comments followed the serious homophobic assault on a Co Antrim man last week who was "left for dead".
Stephen Scott, 27, was walking home near Ballyduff Brae, Newtownabbey, when three youths, thought to be in their late teens, knocked him to the ground and continued kicking and punching him as they shouted insults.
Iris Robinson said she would defend her right to express religious beliefs, while also condemning violence against the gay community.
See: Robinson's 'Gay' Comments Provoke Controversy
(JM/KMcA)
Iris Robinson, the chair of the Stormont health committee, speaking on BBC Radio Ulster’s Nolan Show on Friday, also said she believed gay people could be "turned around".
She said: "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 them away from what they are engaged in."
John O'Doherty, a South Belfast District Policing Partnership member has revealed he has filed a complaint with the police over the comments, saying: "I find it amazing that one year after the complaints made by Ian Paisley Junior we have similar comments made by Iris Robinson."
He added: "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 can result in homophobic attacks and to LGBT people attempting suicide."
Sinn Fein MLA Martina Anderson called on Mrs Robinson to apologise for her remarks and also said that such an "outrageous comment" called into question her suitability as chair of the Assembly's Health Committee.
Mrs Robinson’s comments followed the serious homophobic assault on a Co Antrim man last week who was "left for dead".
Stephen Scott, 27, was walking home near Ballyduff Brae, Newtownabbey, when three youths, thought to be in their late teens, knocked him to the ground and continued kicking and punching him as they shouted insults.
Iris Robinson said she would defend her right to express religious beliefs, while also condemning violence against the gay community.
See: Robinson's 'Gay' Comments Provoke Controversy
(JM/KMcA)
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Robinson Denies 'Child Abuse' Slur On Gays
Just weeks after DUP MP Iris Robinson insisted in a BBC radio interview that gay people could be "turned around" - and subsequently said she would defend her right to express her religious beliefs - the NI First Minister's wife and party colleague has said her views may have been misrepresented in a second apparent 'gaff'.
Robinson Denies 'Child Abuse' Slur On Gays
Just weeks after DUP MP Iris Robinson insisted in a BBC radio interview that gay people could be "turned around" - and subsequently said she would defend her right to express her religious beliefs - the NI First Minister's wife and party colleague has said her views may have been misrepresented in a second apparent 'gaff'.
21 January 2010
Iris Lobby Probe Halted
The likely cost of any major investigation into lobbying undertaken by disgraced MP, Iris Robinson has led a Stormont Executive Minister to rule-out any such probe.
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14 August 2008
MP Iris Will Not Face Discipline From PM
Despite more than 15,000 people signing an online petition to Downing Street calling on the Prime Minister to take action, Strangford MP Iris Robinson will not be reprimanded by Gordon Brown (pictured) for voicing her controversial views on homosexuality.
MP Iris Will Not Face Discipline From PM
Despite more than 15,000 people signing an online petition to Downing Street calling on the Prime Minister to take action, Strangford MP Iris Robinson will not be reprimanded by Gordon Brown (pictured) for voicing her controversial views on homosexuality.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
