Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
14 November 2024
Traffic Warning For South Belfast Ahead Of Northern Ireland Match
Road users are advised to plan for potential traffic delays in the south Belfast area on Friday, 15th November due to the UEFA Nations League football match between Northern Ireland and Belarus. The match will take place at Windsor Park, kicking off at 7.45pm, and it is expected that around 18,000 supporters will attend.
Traffic Warning For South Belfast Ahead Of Northern Ireland Match
Road users are advised to plan for potential traffic delays in the south Belfast area on Friday, 15th November due to the UEFA Nations League football match between Northern Ireland and Belarus. The match will take place at Windsor Park, kicking off at 7.45pm, and it is expected that around 18,000 supporters will attend.
14 November 2024
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
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.
-
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.
