06/06/2008
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)
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 September 2013
Men Plead Guilty To Manslaughter In Suspected Homophobic Attack
Three men have admitted to the manslaughter of a man who was beaten to death in a suspected homophobic attack in County Armagh last year. Andrew Lorimer, 43, was found dead by a burglar on 3 February 2012 who, coincidentally, broke into his property at Portlec Place in Lurgan.
Men Plead Guilty To Manslaughter In Suspected Homophobic Attack
Three men have admitted to the manslaughter of a man who was beaten to death in a suspected homophobic attack in County Armagh last year. Andrew Lorimer, 43, was found dead by a burglar on 3 February 2012 who, coincidentally, broke into his property at Portlec Place in Lurgan.
07 February 2020
Police Officer Failed To Investigate Homophobic Attack
A police officer failed to properly investigate an alleged homophobic attack at a bar in Co Fermanagh, the Police Ombudsman has found. The watchdog was tasked to investigate an incident in December 2018 after a member of bar staff alleged he was subjected to homophobic abuse.
Police Officer Failed To Investigate Homophobic Attack
A police officer failed to properly investigate an alleged homophobic attack at a bar in Co Fermanagh, the Police Ombudsman has found. The watchdog was tasked to investigate an incident in December 2018 after a member of bar staff alleged he was subjected to homophobic abuse.
18 September 2017
Investigation Launched Following Homophobic Attack In West Belfast
Police have launched an investigation in relation to a homophobic attack on two men in west Belfast. The assault happened near the Beechmount area of the Falls Road at around 2.50am on Sunday, 17 September. The suspects are believed to have walked towards the Donegal Road/Whiterock area.
Investigation Launched Following Homophobic Attack In West Belfast
Police have launched an investigation in relation to a homophobic attack on two men in west Belfast. The assault happened near the Beechmount area of the Falls Road at around 2.50am on Sunday, 17 September. The suspects are believed to have walked towards the Donegal Road/Whiterock area.
16 November 2005
Two arrested following homophobic attack
Two men have been arrested in connection with an apparent homophobic attack in Londonderry on Wednesday. The incident is believed to have occurred in a bar in the Strand Road area of the city in the early hours of the morning. Police said they received reports of a man being physically and verbally abused outside the bar at about 2.50am.
Two arrested following homophobic attack
Two men have been arrested in connection with an apparent homophobic attack in Londonderry on Wednesday. The incident is believed to have occurred in a bar in the Strand Road area of the city in the early hours of the morning. Police said they received reports of a man being physically and verbally abused outside the bar at about 2.50am.
11 January 2018
Man Stabbed In West Belfast
Police are appealing for information after a man was stabbed in west Belfast. The attack happened in the Springfield Road area at around 7.45am on Tuesday, 09 January. The victim sustained a stab wound to his leg and was taken to hospital. A man has been arrested and is being questioned at Musgrave Police Station.
Man Stabbed In West Belfast
Police are appealing for information after a man was stabbed in west Belfast. The attack happened in the Springfield Road area at around 7.45am on Tuesday, 09 January. The victim sustained a stab wound to his leg and was taken to hospital. A man has been arrested and is being questioned at Musgrave Police Station.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.