Ógra Shinn Féin
………..Perhaps a more appropriate question for Iris!
Homophobia has no place in any society. Hatred, segregation and discrimination cannot be condoned; homophobia promotes all three and therefore must be challenged.
We expect political leaders to be conscious and vigilant in the face of such hatred, yet time and again the DUP nails its bigoted narrow minded colours to the mast.
Of course bigotry is nothing new from the DUP camp, with reams of anti catholic rants and threats from all rank and file, including ex superior Papa Doc, to quote from. So excuse me for not being shocked!
But the recent anti gay outbursts by Ian Óg and now ‘first lady’ Iris Robinson are absolutely abhorrent and disgusting.
While it was none the less offensive back in the days when the DUP where but an after thought in Unionism, their bigoted homophobic remarks are now all the more potent as they occupy the title of biggest party in the North.
With power comes responsibility, which they are shirking and under equality legislation they are breaking the law.
Ian Óg and Iris Robinson are high standing members of the DUP and if their inflammatory and extremely offensive remarks are not dealt with effectively, then this opens up society to be tolerant of such fascist views.
A simple solution would be for them to resign, and failing that they should be pushed.
For a multitude of reasons, suicide is on the increase across Ireland, including the North, and one of the factors in young people self harming and taking their own life’s, is being unable to deal with their sexuality because of the pressures of society.
If young people already find it difficult to ‘come out’ and be proud of who they are, how do you think these idiotic ‘leaders’ of unionism’s remarks will assist in this?
The recent remarks will further isolate the gay community and make it extremely difficult to create an open, egalitarian and tolerant society.
With attacks on gay people, this bigot does nothing to challenge this, but infact broadens acceptability and perhaps invokes these disgusting attacks.
Iris Robinson and Ian Óg should face the guillotine (political one that is) and be confined to the dustbin of history, alongside their antiquated fascist bigotry.
We all have a part to play in ensuring the ideals of the 1916 proclamation are realised, and we must challenge homophobia where ever it surfaces, in order to achieve a truly democratic, socialist and tolerant Ireland, as Bobby Sands put it,
‘Our revenge will be the liberation of all!’
6 comments:
It is hard comrades when it even manifests itself within our own ranks. I think it is important as young republicans to challenge homophobia within our organization before we challenge others. Then we truly are combatting social discrimination.
Yeah have to agree, there is to an extent homophobia with in our ranks.
I think the writer dealt with what the 2 above comments suggest,
"We all have a part to play in ensuring the ideals of the 1916 proclamation are realised, and we must challenge homophobia where ever it surfaces, in order to achieve a truly democratic, socialist and tolerant Ireland, as Bobby Sands put it,
‘Our revenge will be the liberation of all!’"
The writer clearly suggests we confront homophobia whereever it surfaces, whether that be internally or in public or by political opponents and bigots.
While we should be conscious and stamp out homophobia within our own ranks, lets be honest, the majority of our activist base are progressive and we would never ever have any of our public spokespersons making such disgusting comments like Ian JR and Iris.
Colleen
Completely agree Sinn Féin are by far the most modern and progressive party in Ireland.
I think the more important question Collen is how do we confront the few within our own?
To 'Anonymous', we tackle them by confronting any homophobic remarks or actions within our organisation. I for one, no it would not be tolerated in my area, and any one who espouses such hatred and narrow mindedness would be either suspended or expelled.
I really have not witnessed any of this homophobia that you speak of, but if it exists, shed some light on it, the members responsible and im sure they would be dealt with accordingly.
Colleen
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