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01/06/2007
Paisley defends gay remarks
DUP minister Ian Paisley Jr has defended comments he made about homosexuals which sparked a major debate.
He allegedly told Hot Press magazine he was “repulsed” by gays and lesbians and said “those people harm themselves – without caring about it – harm society.”
However, he also said “that doesn’t mean to say that I hate them. I hate what they do.”
In an interview with the News Letter he clarified: “I do not hate homosexuals. I do not hate anyone. I was not brought up to hate anyone.”
He did not, however, withdraw his remarks or offer an apology as other MLAs demanded.
He continued: “I was asked for my view. I do not think my answer was outrageous or offensive. If you look in the Oxford English Dictionary for the definition of repulsion, it is disgust.
“That is my personal opinion… and I was honest.”
The coalition on Sexual Orientation today condemned his comments and said he had broken a ministerial code which stated ministers should promote the interests of the whole community, promote equality of treatment.
(JM/SP)
He allegedly told Hot Press magazine he was “repulsed” by gays and lesbians and said “those people harm themselves – without caring about it – harm society.”
However, he also said “that doesn’t mean to say that I hate them. I hate what they do.”
In an interview with the News Letter he clarified: “I do not hate homosexuals. I do not hate anyone. I was not brought up to hate anyone.”
He did not, however, withdraw his remarks or offer an apology as other MLAs demanded.
He continued: “I was asked for my view. I do not think my answer was outrageous or offensive. If you look in the Oxford English Dictionary for the definition of repulsion, it is disgust.
“That is my personal opinion… and I was honest.”
The coalition on Sexual Orientation today condemned his comments and said he had broken a ministerial code which stated ministers should promote the interests of the whole community, promote equality of treatment.
(JM/SP)
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