Comments on: Iris claims Hansard "misquoted" her child abuse comments

By: Federico Podeschi

Federico Podeschi — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:17:00 +0000

The Human Rights Act enforces that in the UK, we all have the right to voice our opinions in any way we please, whether verbally, in writing or both. We also have the right to be heard and to hear the opinions of others without being obliged to believe what they say.

However, the one thing that no government can legislate for is the minds of the people; it is our right to have our own political opinions, religious beliefs and attitudes about certain things, but it is not our right to force our opinions on others and prevent them from exercising their right to equality.

The Human Rights Act also specifically prohibits the breaking of domestic laws and limits the exercise of this freedom to those activities that would not threaten public security and would not infringe on the rights of others who may not hold the same beliefs.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show last month, Mrs Robinson was asked to comment on a homophobic assault that took place in Newtownabbey. Stephen Scott, 27, was attacked by a gang of youths and suffered head and leg injuries. The police are calling the incident homophobic in nature. Mrs Robinson suggested that he should consider therapy to "cure" him of his homosexuality.
You would not suggest to someone whose skin colour was different from yours to go and get it tinted or suggest to a wheelchair user to get up and walk, so why should you be less prepared to accept someone whose sexual orientation differs from yours?

This appears to be simply a matter of differential treatment and when it comes to this opinion coming from a government official, it seems quite clear that not tackling this transparent breach of Human Rights legislation the government could be seen to be corporate in discriminating against people on the grounds of sexual orientation.

When it comes to Mrs Robinson in particular, she is using her position as an official to impose her views and should also be seen to trying to prevent people from exercising their right to equality rather than merely exercising their right to freedom of expression.

Furthermore, it appears that her opinion is discriminatory contravening the Human Rights Act and should therefore limit her freedom of speech in any case.

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By: BRUCE

BRUCE — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:53:47 +0000

The only thing you missed, Iris, was the bus!

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By: flapjack

flapjack — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:32:09 +0000

"While I will be seeking to check the committee recording, what I clearly intended to say was that child abuse was worse even than homosexuality and sodomy."
To paraphrase John Cleese in "Life of Brian",

"Oh, it's alright siblings, aparently child abuse is EVEN worse than homosexuality. Well, that's alright then. Sit down. Have a scone. Make yourself at home. You KLUTZ. You stupid bird-brained, flat headed…"
That has to be the most half arsed, ineffectual retraction ever. If she thinks that goes any way to resolving the animosity we feel towards her, she's sorely mistaken.

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By: Mirjam Bader

Mirjam Bader — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:49:20 +0000

Misquoted!? My arse! (And you can quote me on that)

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By: Iris

Iris — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:48:46 +0000

What a load of crap! She's obviously panicking because of the backlash against her vile statement. No doubt the poor dear thought she'd receive applause for her comment. Nevermind, I have the name of a good psychiatrist who can help her deal with her fantasies and her bizarre fascination with what other people do in bed.
I hope she's squirming. This pathetic attempt to defend herself has made my day. But maybe God likes liars almost as much as he likes bigots, eh?

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By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:17:15 +0000

Oh surprise surprise,she is back tracking, this is the begining of the end for the evil hypocrital mother…… she will roast for this. Bring it on, its about time she was thrown out on her lying hateful arse.

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