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14/08/2008
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.
Further to earlier comments on BBC Radio Ulster by Mrs Robinson - the wife of NI First Minister Peter Robinson - she likened gay sex acts to child abuse, and told a Committee that "there can be no viler act, apart from homosexuality, than sexually abusing innocent children".
However, Mrs Robinson later said she had been quoted out of context, even though the official Hansard report has borne out her alleged comments in a transcript of the Northern Ireland Grand Committee meeting - which discussed risk assessment and management of sex offenders.
As Mrs Robinson insisted that at no stage did she set out to suggest that homosexuality was worse than child abuse, the Prime Minister yesterday confirmed there was no constitutional role for him to reproach individual MPs.
A statement issued on behalf of Mr Brown, in response to the petition, said MPs "are accountable to their electorate for their own comments".
However, it said that the Government is committed to strong equality legislation in Northern Ireland.
"The Government's vision is an equal, inclusive society in Northern Ireland, where everyone is treated with respect and where opportunity for all remains a priority," it added.
Mrs Robinson, a devout born-again Christian, said she is entitled to hold her views as a freedom of expression.
The petition was signed by 15,703 people.
See: Robinson Denies 'Child Abuse' Slur On Gays
(PR/KMcA)(BMcC)
Further to earlier comments on BBC Radio Ulster by Mrs Robinson - the wife of NI First Minister Peter Robinson - she likened gay sex acts to child abuse, and told a Committee that "there can be no viler act, apart from homosexuality, than sexually abusing innocent children".
However, Mrs Robinson later said she had been quoted out of context, even though the official Hansard report has borne out her alleged comments in a transcript of the Northern Ireland Grand Committee meeting - which discussed risk assessment and management of sex offenders.
As Mrs Robinson insisted that at no stage did she set out to suggest that homosexuality was worse than child abuse, the Prime Minister yesterday confirmed there was no constitutional role for him to reproach individual MPs.
A statement issued on behalf of Mr Brown, in response to the petition, said MPs "are accountable to their electorate for their own comments".
However, it said that the Government is committed to strong equality legislation in Northern Ireland.
"The Government's vision is an equal, inclusive society in Northern Ireland, where everyone is treated with respect and where opportunity for all remains a priority," it added.
Mrs Robinson, a devout born-again Christian, said she is entitled to hold her views as a freedom of expression.
The petition was signed by 15,703 people.
See: Robinson Denies 'Child Abuse' Slur On Gays
(PR/KMcA)(BMcC)
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27 January 2004
Unionists are uniting around the DUP, claims Iris Robinson
The DUP has responded to a call for unionist unity by UUP MLA David McNarry claiming that unionism is uniting - around the DUP. Strangford DUP MLA Iris Robinson said: "Unionists are uniting around the position and policies of the Democratic Unionist Party.
Unionists are uniting around the DUP, claims Iris Robinson
The DUP has responded to a call for unionist unity by UUP MLA David McNarry claiming that unionism is uniting - around the DUP. Strangford DUP MLA Iris Robinson said: "Unionists are uniting around the position and policies of the Democratic Unionist Party.
28 November 2014
Iris Robinson Committed 'Serious Breach'
An investigation has found Irish Robinson committed a "serious breach" of the Northern Ireland Assembly's code of conduct. The report, compiled by the assembly's Committee on Standards and Privileges, follows a BBC Spotlight investigation four years ago.
Iris Robinson Committed 'Serious Breach'
An investigation has found Irish Robinson committed a "serious breach" of the Northern Ireland Assembly's code of conduct. The report, compiled by the assembly's Committee on Standards and Privileges, follows a BBC Spotlight investigation four years ago.
22 July 2008
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'.
31 March 2010
Land Deal Questions For Robinsons
Democratic Unionist spin doctors last night scrambled to quash questions raised by the BBC over a land deal involving First Minister Peter Robinson. The report revealed Mr Robinson and his wife Iris (pictured) purchased a small parchment of land close to their home in 2006 from developer Fred Fraser, who is now deceased.
Land Deal Questions For Robinsons
Democratic Unionist spin doctors last night scrambled to quash questions raised by the BBC over a land deal involving First Minister Peter Robinson. The report revealed Mr Robinson and his wife Iris (pictured) purchased a small parchment of land close to their home in 2006 from developer Fred Fraser, who is now deceased.
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.
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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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
