Robinson's 'Gay' Comments Provoke Controversy

On the week of a serious Co Antrim homophobic attack, when the assault victim was "left for dead", the NI First Minister's wife, MLA Iris Robinson, has shocked some BBC listeners with her views that gay people could be "turned around".

Mrs Robinson made her comments on BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show on Friday.

She said she would defend her right to express religious beliefs, while also condemning violence against the gay community.

"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 away from what they are engaged in," she said.

"I'm happy to put any homosexual in touch with this gentleman and I have met people who have turned around and become heterosexuals."

The BBC has since reported that David McCartney - from the Rainbow Project gay support group - insisted there was "no body of evidence" to support this and asked to meet the MP to discuss her views.

The campaigner also commented on the serious Newtownabbey 'gay-bashing' assault on Wednesday.

He said such victims need to come forward to get support and also so that police could intervene to help.

Police have described the attack on resident, Stephen Scott, 27, who was walking home near Ballyduff Brae in Newtownabbey, as homophobic.

The victim said that three youths, thought to be in their late teens, knocked him to the ground and continued kicking and punching him as they shouted insults.

He said: "It's enough to take a life - there were three of them on me and I was left for dead."

Mr Scott is now being treated in hospital for a head injury, a leg injury and broken ribs.

He also urged victims of homophobic attacks not to be afraid to tell police.

"It's a matter of coming forward and accessing it - I can't emphasise enough how important it is not to suffer in silence," he said.

(BMcC/KMcA)