Gay Belfast News 2008

Rev David McIlveen leader of Sandown Free Presbyterian Chuch in Belfast has backed the Pope's "saving humanity from homosexuality" speech. The preacher from a church that refers to the Pope as the Anti-Christ has backed his stance on homosexuality and claimed all people are born heterosexual. The Protestant sect was founded by former First Minister of Northern Ireland Rev Ian Paisley, who has regularly denounced the Roman Catholic Church and the Papacy. Rev McIlveen's church placed an advert in the Belfast Newsletter earlier this year, just before the Belfast Pride event, quoting from the Bible and branding homosexuality an abomination. Last month the Advertising Standards Authority ruled that the advert, which called gay people perverts and called on "religious" people to publicly oppose gay rights and Pride events, broke their rules on decency. On Monday the Pope said that saving humanity from homosexuality and transgenderism was as important as saving the rain forest. Today Rev McIlveen told the Belfast Newsletter "I think that while we recognise the Pope's position and the sustaining of his Church's position, we would come from a different angle with regard to the emphasis we have on the Scripture. I think it is a natural concern about the continuation of the human race. Biologically we are not created to be homosexual, we are created to be heterosexual. There is a great deal of sensitivity about whenever the word homosexuality is raised and I think it underlines the insecurity that is found within that community."

By choosing to highlight homosexuality instead of hunger, war and homelessness, the Pope has lost his moral bearings and sense of priorities writes gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell. Free market capitalism, and its culture of greed and consumerism, is a far greater threat to the ecological survival of our planet than homosexuality or transsexuality. Is the Pope ignorant or malevolent? The suggestion that gay people are a threat to human survival is absurd and dangerous. It is poisonous propaganda that will give comfort and succour to queer-bashers everywhere. Homosexuality is a part of human ecology. It has existed in all cultures in all eras. At a time of global over-population, by not having children gay couples contribute to population stabilisation and thereby reduce pressure on over-strained natural resources. We are an ecological asset to humanity. The Vatican's continued rejection of a modern scientific understanding of homosexuality is a throw-back to the Dark Ages. It defies rationality and humanitarianism.

Why is Benedict so obsessed with gay sex? He seems to talk about it all the time, issuing an almost weekly tirade of denunciations that borders on a compulsive disorder. This prejudice is par for the course. The Vatican recently opposed a United Nations statement condemning homophobic violence and the criminalisation of same-sex relations. Without gay priests and bishops, the Catholic Church could barely function. I think that a considerable percentage of the clergy are gay, which makes this latest outburst by the Pope so hypocritical. If Benedict objects so strongly to homosexuality, why does he appear to surround himself with gay advisors and Vatican officials? The Catechism, which sets out the basic doctrines of the Roman Church denounces same-sex relationships as a "grave depravity" "intrinsically disordered." It also states that lesbian and gay relationships are "contrary to natural law … and do not proceed from genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved.

Various other Papal pronouncements condemn homosexuality as a deep-seated personality disorder and psychological flaw; variously condemning same-sex acts as "grave sins….objectively disordered….(and) intrinsically immoral." Even people who have a gay orientation but abstain totally from sex are condemned by the Pope as possessing a "tendency towards an intrinsic moral evil." Despite the fact that 40 million people are infected worldwide with HIV, the Pope condemns safer sex and condoms. He has turned his back on a proven method of stopping virus transmission, and instead promoted the lie that condoms have tiny holes that HIV can pass through. This irresponsible scare mongering is tantamount to complicity with the needless deaths of millions of people who have died because they had unsafe sex. Peter Tatchell campaigns with OutRage! and is the Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for Oxford East

The head of the Roman Catholic Church has claimed that the existence of gay people is as great a threat to humanity as the destruction of the rainforest. Pope Benedict XVI also attacked transgender people and claimed that a "blurring" of genders would lead to the extinction of the human race. The pontiff made his remarks in an "end of year" address to the Vatican's central administration, the Curia. The Pope said behaviour beyond traditional heterosexual relations is "a destruction of God's work." Benedict also said man must be protected "from the destruction of himself" and urged respect for the "nature of the human being as man and woman. The tropical forests do deserve our protection. But man, as a creature, does not deserve any less." The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement was outraged at this latest Papal outburst.
"It is comments like this that justify homophobic bullying that goes on in schools and it is comments like this that justify gay bashing," said LGCM chief executive Rev Sharon Ferguson. "There are still so many instances of people being killed around the world, including in western society, purely and simply because of their sexual orientation or their gender identity. When you have religious leaders like that making that sort of statement then followers feel they are justified in behaving in an aggressive and violent way because they feel that they are doing God's work in ridding the world of these people." Last week the Vatican opposed a statement at the United Nations reiterating the universal human rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans people. According to Roman Catholics, gay people are disordered and called to a life of celibacy.

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has handed the British government its advice on the potential for a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. The commission will have been influenced by the recommendations of the Bill of Rights Forum which includes local gay groups in Belfast. Speaking after the handover of the commission's report Paul Goggins, Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office, said "I have today received statutory advice from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission on the potential for a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. "I am grateful for the work that has gone into the preparation of this report and look forward to reading its recommendations. "I recognise that there is a diverse range of opinion on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. "Once Government has had an opportunity to properly consider the advice we will consult publicly on this issue before deciding how to move forward." To raise awareness of the development of the Bill of Rights in Northern Ireland, CoSO hosted a series of successful events across the province to engage local LGBT communities and individuals in the process of drafting recommendations for a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. Mairead McCafferty and James Knox, Co-Chairs of CoSO, said when the Bill of Rights Forum made its recommendations in March, "We believe this is a significant step forward in the protection of LGBT people's rights in Northern Ireland and ultimately has the potential to have a profound effect on the rights of LGBT people here and further afield, although we are still at the beginning of the process. "As such Northern Ireland should be proud of acknowledging the need to protect, promote and fulfil the rights not only of LGBT people but potentially all our marginalised and disadvantaged communities."

An advert placed in the Belfast NewsLetterr by Sandown Free Presbyterian Church ahead of this summer's Pride event in Belfast breached the Advertising Standards Authority code. The 540-word ad was placed on 1st August 2008, the day before Pride. It called gay people perverts and called on "religious" people to publicly oppose gay rights and Pride events. The BBC reports that the Advertising Standards Authority has ruled that the ad breached decency codes. It said the advert must not appear again and in future "particular care should be taken to avoid causing offence on the grounds of sexual orientation." The ASA refused to comment on the BBC report. "The act of sodomy is a grave offence to every Bible believer who, in accepting the pure message of God’s precious word, express the mind of God by declaring it to be an abomination," the advert read. This unequivocal statement clearly articulates God’s judgment upon a sin that has been only made controversial by these who are attempting to either neutralise or remove the guilt of their wrongdoing. The issue of human rights is no longer a basis for this parade, as successive governments have legislated for the lowering of the age of consent, the authorisation of civil partnerships and the inheritance rights of a nominated partner. This parade is not a welcome addition to our city, neither is it a positive celebration of a profitable lifestyle flaunting a form of sexuality that generations of men and women have righteously resisted and by gods grace will continue to resist."

The News Letter said in a statement it would examine the ASA adjudication, which has not been made public yet. The Free Presbyterian Church was founded 56 years ago by Ian Paisley Snr, former First Minister of Northern Ireland. It mounts a yearly counter-protest against Belfast Pride. Last year veteran politician Paisley resigned as leader of the Church after coming under pressure from its members over gay rights issues. The fundamentalist Christian sect were outraged that Mr Paisley and other members of his Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) ignored their objections to government financial support for Pride marches, which they called a "celebration of sodomy." Thousands attended gay Pride in Belfast in August, where DUP MP Iris Robinson, who is the wife of the First Minister, was mocked. She 'appeared' at the event in the guise of masks carried by Pride participants. More than 4,000 people turned out despite poor weather conditions. Thousands more watched the parade. A float titled the 'Iris Mobile' joined the procession along the Belfast streets with a giant papier-mâché image of Mrs Robinson. In July she was reported to the police after she compared homosexuality to child abuse. She told a House of Commons committee: "There can be no viler act, apart from homosexuality and sodomy, than sexually abusing innocent children. "There must be sufficient confidence that the community has the best possible protection against such perverts." She previously said that gays could be turned straight with psychiatric help.

When Iris's husband and First Minister Peter Robinson was asked "Can you ensure equality for gay people in Northern Ireland – a task entrusted to your office? Mr Robinson said "The DUP is committed to equality and fairness for everyone in Northern Ireland. The party's record in government shows we are working hard to bring the maximum benefits of devolution to all of Northern Ireland's people regardless of their background. Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive are bound by a legal code that would prohibit them from discriminating unfairly against any person on the basis of their religious or political background or their sexual orientation."

Guidelines for tackling homophobic bullying in schools have been published by a group of children's charities. The booklet, titled Leave It Out, is aimed at helping schools provide a "tailored approach" to the problem. It includes exercises for staff and pupils and suggestions on responding to inappropriate language and behaviour. The guidelines said abuse included verbal and physical attacks, malicious phone calls, emails, text messages and online chatroom bullying. According to the booklet, a number of pupils suffer homophobic bullying because they are perceived to be gay or lesbian. It adds, however, that many other pupils are also victims of homophobic bullying, irrespective of their sexual orientation. "The effects on the emotional wellbeing and educational outcomes of all these children can be severe," the guide said. A number of Northern Ireland post-primary schools participated in a pilot project, from which the Leave It Out resource materials were developed. At the Boys' Model School in Belfast, where 90 teenagers took part in discussions, workshops and role-play sessions about homophobic bullying, the students said the experience had helped them understand the issue more clearly.

The decision of Boyzone to give Stephen Gately a male love interest in their latest video has provoked comment from Northern Ireland preacher Reverend David McCullough. The Minister of Dromore Reformed Presbyterian Church, turned his hand to video reviewing in the town's local paper the Dromore Leader and gave a full account of the limited boy-on-boy action on show. He expressed his concerns about the influence Boyzone's latest video could have on the world's youth. "The latest Boyzone video that accompanies their newly-released single Better is far from good," he wrote. "The message of the Boyzone video is yet another subtle effort of the homosexual propaganda machine. This video, that will be watched by millions, is sending out a deadly message to young people." See the "deadly message below". Boyzone play the Odyssey Arena in Belfast on Sunday 24th May 2009. Tickets available from £35

The hugely controversial comments of Born-again Christian Iris Robinson MP about the gay community is being used to entertain crowds at the National Theatre in London. Hard-hitting drama To Be Straight With You features the Strangford DUP MP's claim that homosexuality was an "abomination" that could be cured with counselling. The play which is on a sold-out run at the top London theatre plays Mrs Robinson's words through a speaker on a loop throughout the production. To Be Straight With You is set to hit Belfast early next year and has been billed as an 80-minute focus on homophobics and religious fundamentalists. A multi-ethnic cast explores the issues of tolerance, religion and sexuality based on hundreds of hours of interviews with victims of abuse. Robinson sparked a massive outcry in June when she appeared on Stephen Nolan's BBC Radio Ulster show and criticised the gay lifestyle. She also offered to put homosexuals in touch with a "lovely psychiatrist" who she said could "cure" them. A spokeswoman for the National Theatre said the outbursts had been a hugely popular part of the production. Judy Lisey, spokeswoman for theatre company DV8, was unclear whether permission had been obtained to use the Soriginal BBC radio broadcast, but added she had received no complaints. She said: "Mrs Robinson's words are featured verbatim in the production and fit in with the other testaments being played on homophobia. We've had an overwhelming response by theatre-goers to the exploration of the themes of oppression in the play and we are planning to bring it to Belfast next year." A DUP spokesman said the party had no comment on the words being used.

The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) has contradicted the former leader Ian Paisley's account of the gay funding process from his old Department. Paisley has been facing criticism within his Free Presbyterian church over gay grants issued during his time as First Minister. He has maintained that he refused to approve the funding and told officials that he would go to jail rather than sign the documents. But the OFMDFM Department has stated that authorisation was never sought from Mr Paisley.

The funding package was established in 2006, by the then Secretary of State Peter Hain. It involved £230,000 for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender groups across the province, and was the responsibility of OFMDFM's equality wing. Only £50,000 of the total had been released by May 2007, when devolution was restored and Mr Paisley became head of OFMDFM as First Minister. OFMDFM has stated that £100,000 from the funding package was released during Mr Paisley's period in power. The remaining £80,000 is due to be issued in the current financial year. That creates potential embarrassment for current DUP First Minister Peter Robinson, whose politician wife Iris regards homosexuality as an "abomination". Mr Paisley has firmly stated that he withheld approval of the grant money as First Minister, forcing the matter to be taken to Westminster. OFMDFM has now spelt out its position in reply to a detailed Freedom of Information request from the Belfast Telegraph.

It stated: "In July 2006 the then Secretary of State Peter Hain announced his intention to award a short term fund to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender sector. No further Ministerial authorisation was or will be sought in respect of payments of the fund." The Stormont department was also asked for any dates, following the return of devolution, when the funding package was discussed at the House of Commons. It stated: "There are no dates relevant to this request." On the subject of any Commons reports on the grant-aid, OFMDFM likewise stated: "There are no reports relevant to this request." The department's reply also said that there had been "no correspondence between OFMDFM and the Northern Ireland Office on OFMDFM allocations to gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender groups". Mr Paisley spoke to the Belfast Telegraph in August about responsibility for the money being passed to Westminster. "I never signed it," he said. "They had to change it. Our hands were absolutely clean. It had nothing to with us," he stated. Mr Paisley also made a statement on the subject to his Martyrs Memorial Free Presbyterian church congregation in January this year. He said he had been told as First Minister that he had to hand over the remainder of the money agreed by Mr Hain. "Says I they are not getting one ha'ppeny from me," the church heard. "The civil servants said you need to sign there. Says I: no signature, take it away, don't come back to me." Mr Paisley continued: "They took the paper to Westminster and signed it at Westminster and they gave them the money they had promised, but I never gave them a penny, not a penny." He also said: "They told me that if I didn't do it I would be put in prison. Says I: roll on the prison, I've been there before." Distribution of the funding package established by Peter Hain is administered by an umbrella organisation called the Coalition on Sexual Orientation. OFMDFM has given the grant allocation dates so far as March 2007, July 2007 and February 2008, with £50,000 issued on each occasion.

Therapists should not attempt to change an individual's sexual orientation, says reader of the Northern Ireland morning newspaper the 'NewsLetter'. Asking people for their views about the controversial subject, ahead of Richard Cohen's appearance on BBC Northern Ireland's The Nolan Show, many were willing to express their thoughts on the matter. But in a sign of how sensitive the subject of homosexuality still is in Northern Ireland, the majority did not want to be photographed and some did not want to be named. But, among both those who were happy to be identified and those who wished to remain anonymous, there was a clear majority against any attempt to "cure" homosexuality. It is often said that when members of the public speak to pollsters or journalists about a controversial topic such as attitudes to race, they are more likely to say what they believe is socially acceptable. But yesterday many of those who gave their reaction to Mr Cohen's claims did so without hesitation, suggesting they had given thought to the issue. As Mr Cohen was preparing to appear on The Nolan Show (13 October 2008), many city centre workers yesterday afternoon were unaware of his claims that he could "cure" gays. One 53-year-old man, who did not want to be named because it may identify his gay daughter, said he was completely opposed to Mr Cohen's efforts. The east Belfast man said: "I don't think we should be trying to change people's sexuality and there is no evidence that it can be done. "My daughter is a top civil engineer but she felt she had to leave Northern Ireland because of the way people reacted to her. "She helps out at a youth group in England but in Northern Ireland a lot of people wouldn't allow that." Electrician Mark Hammond, 47, from south Belfast, said he was "very dubious" about claims gay people could be turned straight. "It's not a psychiatric condition so I don't see how a psychiatrist would help," he said. Carolyn McCall, a 19-year-old Christian civil servant, said she did not support attempts to turn gay people straight. "I don't think your sexuality is determined by how you are brought up," she said. "I do think that it can change, though - for instance, a woman may be gay until 30 but then decide that she wants children." Another student, Mark McCann, 17, said he did not think homosexual people should attempt to become heterosexual. The Ballynahinch teenager said: "You can't change what people feel and I don't think you should try to. "I think it would be offensive to people who are gay." And Michael Pauls, 18, a student from Newtownabbey, said it was an "interesting topic" but he didn't know what the answer was. "I think it would probably be good to have the option of changing but I don't know if you can do that over enough time," she said. But, expressing support for attempts to turn homosexuals into heterosexuals, Keith Malone, 47, from south Belfast, said he thought it would be beneficial to turn gay people straight. "The way I look at it is that if everyone was gay they wouldn't be able to have children and that would be a big problem," he said. "I think that some gay people go that way because they aren't having much joy with the opposite sex." And Stanley Chiunda, 50, a nurse from south Belfast, originally from Africa, said he supported the idea, describing homosexuality as "very abnormal". "Being homosexual is not what is expected of humans - men can never have children with other men so I would like to see them changed," he said. Jim Laverty, who works in the city centre, was opposed to any attempt to "cure" gay people, saying "you are what you are". Join the Big Debate at www.newsletter.co.uk or visit our guestbook.

Advice and guidance on what the Sexual Orientation Regulations mean for service providers, public authorities, religious organisations, providers of education has been released. The Northern Ireland Equality Commission's guide also covers those managing, selling and letting premises and offers advice on what action gay, lesbian and bisexual people can take if they feel that they are being discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. The guidance, launched by the Commission in a publication entitled, "Eliminating Sexual Orientation Discrimination in NI: A Guide on the Provision of Goods, Facilities, Services and Premises", provides practical advice on what the legislation means for service providers, public authorities, religious organisations, providers of education and those managing, selling and letting premises, as well as for society at large. The Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 placed duties upon the providers of goods, facilities and services and provides protection for LGB people. Their introduction was controversial. They were imposed by then-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Peter Hain before self-government resumed. In January 2007 a member of the Democratic Unionist Party tried to block them in the House of Lords. The DUP's leader Ian Paisley joined protesters outside the Lords, saying: "Are we really Christians and will we stand up for Jesus? We're here to say that we're on the Lord's side." In the 1970s the former First Minister spearheaded a campaign against the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Northern Ireland, "Save Ulster From Sodomy," and as recently as 2005 he led opposition to civil partnerships. Since taking office in a joint administration with nationalist party Sinn Fein in May the DUP has muted their stance on gay rights. The guidance, launched by the Commission in a publication entitled, Eliminating Sexual Orientation Discrimination in NI: A Guide on the Provision of Goods, Facilities, Services and Premises, provides practical advice. It offers clear advice on how the provisions work from a range of perspectives and includes examples to illustrate the principles and concepts used in the legislation. "This guidance is aimed to help service providers meet their obligations and provides an opportunity to review all policies and practices to ensure that they are in accordance with the law," said Bob Collins, Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission. "The law sets out clear entitlements, for individuals or groups of individuals, not to be discriminated against and makes unlawful differential treatment based solely on a person's sexuality. "It cannot be acceptable, for example, that a bar or restaurant denies service to an individual on grounds of her or his sexual orientation or that a young person is denied the best possible education on grounds of his or her sexual orientation or that of a parent. "These are rights that the majority of people take for granted and the guidance launched today will ensure that providers of goods, facilities and services are fully aware of their obligations under the law. "For many providers, however, there may be no need to change current practices because these desirable principles are already embedded in their treatment of others." A copy of the guidance can be obtained from the Equality Commission on (028) 90 890 890 or at www.equalityni.org

The Guardian's Henry McDonald talks to ex-terrorist Sam 'Skelly' McCrory about his conversion from homophobic paramilitary hitman to gay rights campaigner:

Shaven-headed and tattooed all over with skinhead emblems and the symbols of Ulster loyalism, Sam 'Skelly' McCrory was once regarded as one of the most dangerous terrorists in Western Europe. He was the last commander of Ulster Defence Association inmates in the Maze prison and the closest confidant of Johnny 'Mad Dog' Adair, who called him his 'top operator'. McCrory was also one of two UDA leaders chosen to meet Mo Mowlam 10 years ago in her talks in the Maze aimed at salvaging the loyalist ceasefires. But now McCrory has become the first paramilitary to publicly out himself as a gay man. The 43-year-old has swapped a life dominated by direct involvement in UDA assassination squads in Northern Ireland for one of gay activism in Scotland. In his first interview, McCrory has also claimed he was the unlikely inspiration for a novel written by one of his former foes - ex-Sinn Fein publicity director Danny Morrison. 'Even before I joined the UDA, I used to pretend I was homophobic. I went along with the crowd who were then close to the National Front. I hated Catholics, blacks, Jews and gays - even though I was gay myself. I was hiding my true self.' Speaking last week from exiled loyalist leader Adair's flat in Troon, west Scotland, McCrory insisted that a real-life incident involving him helped inspire Danny Morrison's novel On the Back of the Swallow. 'The first serious love of my life was Harry Cowan, who wrote me a letter from Scotland to Crumlin Road jail where I was being held on remand in the early Nineties on hijacking charges. 'A screw [prison officer] stole Harry's letter to me and posted it under a Provo prisoner's cell. The idea was to cause a mix among the republican and loyalist inmates, to provoke the IRA men into slagging me about my gay lover in Scotland. 'Danny Morrison has a story in his book about being in a prison and a letter that other prisoners find. Morrison writes sympathetically about this prisoner who is ridiculed for being gay. That was based on a true incident involving me and a letter from Harry. In the real-life incident the Provo read out Harry's words to me and that kept the tension going. Morrison was in jail at the same time and must have heard about the story of the letter.' The incident in the Victorian jail occurred in early 1991 and months after his release McCrory was back in custody. McCrory admitted he and a UDA 'C' Company assassination squad were on their way to kill the then IRA commander of Belfast and his girlfriend, also a leading IRA figure in the city. Although McCrory said his life has radically changed since, he insisted he had no regrets over what he did for the loyalist cause in the past. 'I was proud of what I did and I did it because we were under attack by violent republicanism. The war now is over. I have no problem with Sinn Fein being purely political and even being in government. It's all for the sake of peace and my war is long, long over. I don't even give Northern Ireland a thought now, not because I don't care, because there is no trouble over there.' McCrory revealed that at the height of his career as one of Adair's most trusted gunmen he was having a secret affair with a male RUC officer in Holywood, Co Down. 'I used to lie to the rest of C Company that I was having a relationship with a policewoman. Only Johnny knew it was a man. The lads used to ask me "Who's that policewoman you are shagging?" I couldn't tell them it was a man, it was such a macho, homophobic culture.' He denied that he used the relationship to obtain intelligence about republican suspects. 'I never asked him for any information even though he knew who I was and what I was up to.' The ex-loyalist gunman said the peace process had allowed him to be himself. He now attends Gay Pride rallies across Britain from Glasgow to Brighton, regularly visits Manchester's Gay Village and marches in gay rights demonstrations across the country. Asked if he would march side by side with Irish republican gay rights activists, he said: 'I've already done that. In fact I once met a gay guy here from a republican area in Belfast. It wasn't until we were back in my hotel room he realised who I was. He panicked but I put him right and told him not to worry. 'My past is the past and I make no apology for it. I don't try to hide it in the gay community here in Scotland or anywhere else. They knew I was a loyalist political prisoner in the Maze.' Why had he decided to go public both about his sexuality and his career in the notorious UDA 'C' Company? 'There has been that much shit written about me over the last 10 years it was time to tell my side of the story. I have been beaten over the head about my sexuality in private whispers from enemies in the UDA so it was time to go public about all those things.' When the UDA divided in late 2002 and early 2003 over Adair's attempt to seize control of the organisation, McCrory sided with his old teenage pal whom he had known since they were members of the skinhead band Offensive Weapon in the early 1980s. He has helped Adair out in his Scottish exile but is adamant the one-time loyalist icon should not settle back in Northern Ireland. Both men remain under a UDA death sentence if they return for good to their former stronghold on Belfast's Shankill Road. On Troon beach, with a gale blowing in across the Irish Sea and dark clouds gathering over Ailsa Craig, the giant rock visible along the horizon of this part of the Ayrshire coast, McCrory and Adair walked together. As they ambled on the sea front they reminisced about their past lives as skinheads turned terrorists who brought Northern Ireland to the brink of civil war in 1993. McCrory is about to star in a Channel 5 documentary series presented by Football Factory actor Danny Dyer. Later as they walked along Troon's promenade with a slimmed down Adair complaining about the autumnal chill, McCrory reflected on the TV film of his life, turned to his old 'C' Company comrade and added: 'It was a lot of fun.'

The Coalition on Sexual Orientation (CoSO) is facilitating and supporting the setup of community groups for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people in the Fermanagh/Enniskillen, Dungannon/Cookstown, Banbridge/Craigavon and Lisburn areas. A number of LGBT groups have been set up around NI over the last two years including in Strabane, Limavady and Causeway. Members of these groups have reported that they enjoy attending meetings and social events and feel that this has reduced their feelings of isolation. Meetings with representatives from the PSNI, the local Councils, the DPP, and community organisations have already taken place, and the next step was to invite people who would be interested in getting involved with these groups to attend initial meetings. To date, initial meetings for all groups have taken place. These meetings have been positive, constructive, well attended and have attracted a wide variety of individuals. A Bebo page has been set up for each group:

Lisburn: www.bebo.com/LisburnL4
Fermanagh: www.bebo.com/FErmanaghlgbt
Dungannon/Cookstown: www.bebo.com/DUngannoncookstL
Banbridge/Craigavon: www.bebo.com/BanbridgeCraigaL

Should you require any further information or would like to register your interest please contact Cara at CoSO on 028 9089 0203/07900 845434 or email cara@coso.org.uk

The Ulster Titans are Northern Ireland's first gay friendly rugby team and they will be on BBC NI, Friday 5th September, 9.30pm, watch out for 'A Queer Try'.

'If at first you don't succeed, try and try again' could easily be the motto for rugby team The Ulster Titans. Formed in the summer of 2007, the Ulster Titans came from virtually nothing - no kit, no playing grounds and no teams to play against - to become one of the most talked about rugby teams in the land. The reason? Because many of the team's members are gay. A Queer Try, a new three-part series starting on BBC One Northern Ireland on Friday, September 5 at 9.30pm, follows this group of men as they struggle to score a single try through to becoming a force to be reckoned with on the rugby pitch. Against the odds, this motley bunch of guys are determined to make it as a talented and recognised gay rugby team. Since forming just over a year ago, The Ulster Titans have gone on to attract 25 members, both gay and straight. Some of the team are very fit and have played serious rugby with passion for many years. Other members are perhaps not so fit, but through time have gained both experience and enthusiasm for the game. This series charts the team's humble beginnings to their search for glory at The Bingham Cup, an international rugby competition named after Mark Kendall Bingham, one of the victims of September 11 who was a keen rugby player, playing for the gay and bisexual rugby team, San Francisco Fog RFC. But this is not just a story about sport. The cluster of individuals who make up this team each have their own unique personalities and backgrounds which come together to make this series a melting pot of stories from a group of remarkable men who happen to be gay. A Queer Try follows the team as they try to achieve acceptance in a testosterone driven and perhaps even blinkered world and their journey to the Bingham Cup is a rollercoaster of emotional ups and downs. We watch the team as they blossom into better players; swap scrums for 'scrumminess' to hit the catwalk for a fashion show; take part in their first Gay Pride as a team and then literally get their kit off for the obligatory 'nude' rugby team calendar! They even became embroiled in some political controversy when Edwin Poots described the setting up of a gay rugby team as 'apartheid'. A Queer Try is a story of blood, sweat and tears but with plenty of laughter, and perhaps even triumph, thrown in. Ian Dougan, producer and director of A Queer Try, says: "When I first heard that Northern Ireland was getting its first gay rugby team, I wasn't sure what to expect. But, after spending a lot of time with the team, I realized that this was going to be something very special. We spent a year with the guys - who were a real mixture of very different types of men - as they evolved into a real team. "Without giving too much away, the experiences of The Ulster Titans, from kicking a ball around a field to the gay world cup, was beyond what I could have hoped for. A Queer Try will hopefully challenge the way viewers will perceive gay men in sport - and will introduce them to a group of great guys and make their experience on the way to The Bingham Cup one they can also share."

Funding arrangements put in place while Northern Ireland was still under direct rule from Westminster have ensured that LGBT groups in the province are getting state funds. Despite the presence of the DUP in the devolved government, £150,000 has already been paid from a £230,000 package put in place by former Secretary of State Peter Hain. The funds, which come under the jurisdiction of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM), are paid to the Coalition on Sexual Orientation (CoSO). Details of the funding package came to light after the Belfast Telegraph made a freedom of information request. The Coalition on Sexual Orientation (CoSO) was established by LGBT groups in Northern Ireland and acts as an umbrella body. Founder organisations include Belfast Lesbian Line, Belfast Pride, Foyle LGB Line, the Northern Ireland Gay Rights Association and the Rainbow Project. Of the £230,000 allocated in 2007, £50,000 was paid before the province's coalition government took office in May last year. Two further payments of £50,000 were made in July 2007 and February 2008. The remaining £80,000 will be paid by the OFMDFM by March 2009. CoSO gave more than £5,000 to this year's Belfast Pride parade, where the wife of First Minister Peter Robinson was a focus for protest.

LGBT Greens are disappointed with the lack of action taken against Iris Robinson MP, who caused outrage by claiming that homosexuality could be "cured" and comparing it to child abuse. Despite an overwhelming response to the petition put on the Prime Minister's website calling him to reprimand the Ulster Democratic Unionist, no action has been taken. "While to some degree of course LGBT Greens respect the autonomy of the decisions of the Northern Irish Assembly, the latest decision to not publicly challenge one of the most outspoken homophobic Members of Parliament can not go without comment," Phelim Mac Cafferty said on behalf of LGBT Greens. "The petition received almost 16,000 signatories which for a petition set up only a matter of weeks ago is phenomenal. "It is also clear from the petition that many Northern Irish and Northern Irish diaspora have signed the petition, which along with the strong reaction against Iris Robinson at Belfast Pride suggest that straight as well as LGBT people are repulsed by her bigotry. "Without much fuss, Brown can make clear that the opinions expressed by Robinson are intolerable. "While his response states that there's legislation to deal with homophobia he has missed an opportunity to insist that the law-makers should be among the first to practice what they preach. "Would Brown idly stand by and allow racist MPs to carry on unchallenged? I doubt it. "So why is he allowing homophobes to get away with broadcasting their hatred? "This is a Member of parliament whose homophobia seems to know no bounds, someone who in the aftermath of a serious homophobic attack decided to talk of homosexuality as 'vile', 'disgusting', 'nauseating' and 'an abomination'."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has rejected calls from almost 16,000 people to reprimand Strangford MP Iris Robinson over her controversial comments on homosexuality. Mr Brown said there is "no constitutional role for the Prime Minister to reprimand individual Members of Parliament who are accountable to their electorate for their own comments." He did, however, say that the Government's vision is an "equal, inclusive society in Northern Ireland, where everyone is treated with respect and where opportunity for all remains a priority", adding that anyone who feels they have been discriminated against may be able to bring a complaint to a tribunal or a court. The Prime Minister also said public authorities are required to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity between different groups, including sexual orientation.

The psychiatrist caught up in the storm of controversy over anti-gay remarks by the DUP's Iris Robinson has temporarily stood down from his job at a Belfast hospital. Dr Paul Miller has also resigned his role as a part-time adviser to Mrs Robinson. In June, Stranford MP caused a storm when she said homosexuality was an abomination and she had a psychiatrist working in her office who had "cured" gay people. Other psychiatrists distanced themselves from these views, saying homosexuality was not an illness and did not require medical treatment. Neither Dr Miller nor the DUP are commenting on reports that he has taken a career break from a north Belfast hospital and has stepped down as Mrs Robinson's adviser.

Hollyoaks star Gerard McCarthy has spoken out against a Northern Ireland MP after she made anti-gay remarks. The Belfast-born actor - who plays bisexual cross-dresser Kris Fisher in the Channel 4 soap - has made a call for Democratic Unionist Party MP Iris Robinson to step down after she claimed homosexuality was 'simply unacceptable in a modern democracy' and said it was 'comparable' to child abuse. 'There should be no place for hateful and extremist opinion,' he tells The Belfast Telegraph. 'Moreover, to have a Member of Parliament advocate them must certainly be in violation of the MPs' Code of Conduct.' The 27-year-old supports Stonewall's Education For All anti-bullying programme and claims the comments won't help children struggling with their sexuality.

Iris Robinson, the DUP MP for Strangford who believes homosexuality can be cured by psychiatry, made a 'guest' appearance at the 2008 Belfast Gay Pride parade yesterday. The Strangford MP appeared in the 'guise' of several marchers wearing Iris masks in what turned out to be Northern Ireland's largest Pride rally for years. One float called the 'Iris Mobile' joined the procession through Belfast city centre with a giant papier-mâché image of Robinson on the front. Organisers claimed the large turn-out was in response to the controversy stirred up by the DUP MP, who recently also likened gay sex to child abuse.

Her remarks prompted one organisation to become the first Christian gay group to march in the Belfast parade. Changing Attitude Ireland, a new organisation representing gay Christians throughout the island, said they had decided to join Pride in response to the MP's remarks. 'This is the first time our banner has been displayed at Pride in Belfast because it was important to increase our visibility and to show people that there are alternative Christian views than those espoused by Iris Robinson,' said a retired Church of Ireland minister, the Rev Mervyn Kingston. He said there was growing support within the Church of Ireland for equality for gay people inside the Anglican Communion. A number of other clergymen joined the Gay Pride march along Belfast's Royal Avenue, including the Rev Chris Hudson, the Dublin-born peace activist who acted as a secret conduit between loyalist paramilitaries and the Irish government in the lead up to the 1994 ceasefires. Dressed in the red robes and pointed mitre of a Catholic bishop, PA MagLochlainn, president of the Northern Ireland Gay Rights Association, said he wanted to thank Robinson for her intervention in the gay equality debate. 'She has done us a favour because it has forced a lot of people to face up to the fact that homophobia still exists in Northern Ireland,' he said. 'Look how many have turned up today. The numbers are up because people want to show solidarity. She has helped the cause.'

There were two counter-demonstrations organised by Protestant fundamentalist groups including members of the Rev Ian Paisley's Free Presbyterian Church. They had taken out a full-page ad in the Newsletter on Friday denouncing homosexuality and calling on born-again Christians to turn up at their protests yesterday. There were, however, no prominent DUP politicians at either demonstration. However, the born-again Christian demonstrators were vastly outnumbered and drowned out by the much larger, noisier Pride parade. Police estimated that several thousand joined the procession from Belfast's Customs House Square to City Hall. The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Tom Hartley, also turned up at the parade. The Sinn Fein councillor described Pride as 'the real face of 21st-century Belfast'. He added: 'This is our city at its most diverse and this is one of the most creative communities we have in Belfast.' Among those watching the start of the procession was Evelyn McCartan from the nearby Markets area. She had turned up to see the Pride parade along with her husband, daughter and grandson. 'We go and watch Pride ever year because it's so colourful and the people are very friendly,' she said. Asked what she thought of Iris Robinson's remarks about homosexuality, the grandmother said: 'She doesn't represent everyone's views. I say live and let live.' Among those marching in the rally was Northern Ireland's first-ever gay rugby team, the Belfast Titans, Amnesty International, trade unions, the SDLP, Greens and Alliance Party. But the inadvertent star of the parade remained Robinson, whose image adorned lapels, posters, cars and even one young man's crotch. One member of the public objected to the MP's image being stuck on to the 'Iris' float. At City Hall a born again Christian protester ran in front of the lorry and tried to rip it off. However, he was prevented from doing so by two police officers who wrestled him to the ground.

Leading gay rights activist, Peter Tatchell, has raised the temperature in the row over homosexuality by claiming there was evidence King Billy had male lovers. Mr Tatchell highlighted the controversial allegation as evidence of hypocrisy over homosexuality in Northern Ireland, but he was condemned by Unionists for setting out to deliberately cause offence. The campaigner will tonight deliver the Amnesty International Pride Lecture in Belfast. Mr Tatchell's appearance at the city's week-long gay pride festival comes after the DUP's Iris Robinson sparked controversy by branding homosexuality an abomination. Mr Tatchell said: "It is particularly hypocritical for unionist politicians to play the homophobic card when their hero William of Orange had male lovers." King Billy was married, but some academics have pointed to his promotion of young men to high office as evidence of bisexuality. A DUP spokesman dismissed the allegation. "This is the kind of deliberately offensive and provocative comment and shock tactics that he has used in the past," he said. Mr Tatchell has targeted Mrs Robinson for heavy criticism ahead of his Belfast speech. "Iris Robinson's remarks are part of a pattern of homophobia that seems to characterise sections of Northern Irish society. It is only a year ago that Ian Paisley jnr made upsetting outbursts against gay people. Iris Robinson claims homosexuality is not natural, yet same-sexual relations are found in every human society and every animal species. That seems pretty natural to me." Ian Paisley jnr caused controversy by saying he was repulsed by gays, but he and other senior DUP figures have defended their right to express their moral opposition to homosexuality, while also maintaining their condemnation of homophobic violence. Mr Tatchell has campaigned internationally and he warned that his experience has been that public comments against homosexuality can result in physical attacks on gay people. "It is shameful that over 70 nations still outlaw homosexuality, that several countries retain the death penalty for same-sex relationships, and that none of the international human rights conventions explicitly guarantee gay equality and protection against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. "It is time the UN passed a convention prohibiting homophobic discrimination and acknowledging that sexual rights are human rights.

SDLP Youth have today announced a demonstration on THURSDAY 31ST JULY for 1PM at BELFAST CITY HALL against the homophobic comments made in local press and at Westminster committees by Iris Robinson MP MLA. SDLP Youth Chair Peter Armstrong said: "It is clear that Iris Robinson believes it is acceptable for her to preach outrageous messages of hate and discrimination based on her interpretation of ancient biblical texts. However, the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland do not agree with her comments. "We believe that Iris Robinson does not have any public support. She has shown the extent of her homophobia on television and radio interviews, at Stormont as an MLA and in committees that she sits on as an MP at Westminster. We believe it is intolerable that she can remain as the Chair of the Assembly's Health Committee after the comments she has made. "Iris Robinson has failed to apologise for her hateful comments. She has offended many decent right-minded people. There has also been complete silence from other DUP representatives, which would make us think that First Minister Peter Robinson and his DUP party colleagues all share the same viewpoint. "As a party born from the civil rights movement the SDLP has long been a champion of society's most vulnerable and those open to discrimination. The SDLP represents people from all faiths and none. As public representatives we have a duty to legislate in the best interests of all the people. "We believe faith and government are not mutually exclusive. However, all public policy and legislation must stand up to the rigours of basic and guaranteed human rights. "As a party we have consistently campaigned for a comprehensive and progressive Bill of Rights setting out the principles that should underpin the new society we are trying to build and help ensure events of the past and division of the present is overcome for good of everyone on this island regardless of race, class or creed. "If you are against the comments made by Iris Robinson, please join us on Thursday 31st July at 1pm outside Belfast City Hall where we will hold a demonstration. Everyone is invited, including family and friends of gay and lesbian people."

The Northern Ireland Parades Commission has given permission for Belfast Pride to go ahead on 2nd August without any restrictions. The Commission met with Pride organisers, those opposed to the event and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. In a statement, the Northern Ireland Parades Commission acknowledged that all concerned have "reaffirmed their commitment to an agreement reached some years ago surrounding the conduct of the parade and associated protest." Parades Commission Chairman Roger Poole said:"We respect the views of those who are organising the Pride parade and those who wish to express their opposition. Just as with any parade in Belfast where there is disagreement it is important that all concerned treat each other with respect and show tolerance towards the views of wider society. The Commission is aware from its meetings that both sides have reaffirmed their intention to abide by an agreement reached in 2005. We are pleased to have this renewed commitment, particularly in light of the events of 2007 when a particular placard was on display which caused considerable offence. It is very clear to us that the Belfast Pride parade is a welcome addition to the city and it is a colourful and positive celebration of all lifestyles which co-exist in Belfast. We urge those taking part in the parade, those supporting the parade and those who are opposed to the parade to act in a way which respects the views and sensitivities of all concerned."

DUP MP Iris Robinson has been invited to a debate 'Pride Talks Back' alongside gay activists, the police and members of various religious denominations. All political parties in the province take part in the event apart from the DUP. A spokesman for the party claims that Mrs Robinson will be out of the country and will not be able to take up an invitation to the debate or the Pride march itself. Andy Thompson, Chairperson of Pride said "I think Iris should really be making an effort to attend. If she is genuine about being misrepresented in her remarks then this is a perfect opportunity for her to clarify that. This is the perfect opportunity for her to hear about the hurt and harm she is causing people." Robinson, the MP for Strangford, was at the centre of renewed controversy earlier this week comments she made likened child abuse to homosexuality during a Commons committee proceeding came to light. Sammy Wilson, the DUP MP for East Antrim and Northern Ireland's Environment Minister, said on BBC Radio that his colleague is being harassed by the media and is entitled to express her views. More than 12,500 people have already signed a petition on the Downing St website asking the Prime Minister to reprimand Mrs Robinson.

Iris Robinson has anger gay people throughout Ireland when she stated in House of Commons recently that homosexuality is "viler" than child sex abuse. The First Minister's wife made the controversial comments the Parliament in front of Policing and Justice Minister Paul Goggins and a committee of MPs during a debate on the assessment and management of sex offenders. Speaking about community concerns over sex offenders Mrs Robinson then stated: "There can be no viler act, apart from homosexuality and sodomy, than sexually abusing innocent children." Her comments have not been omitted from a written transcript of the debate which has been published on the Parliament website. Robinson's comments have been slammed as by the Gay Rights Association. Association Chairperson PA MagLochlainn said: "She is entitled to her own personal feelings and I defend her right to freedom of speech but she cannot make these sort of comments. They show an alarming degree of misunderstanding and misinformation. She is being very irresponsible making these sort of cruel and frighteningly ignorant comments. We feel that a responsible MLA would be glad to listen to our views and she should meet with the health professionals who work in the gay and lesbian sector instead of making wild and totally unscientific statements. Iris Robinson is in a hole and we say she should stop digging."

Belfast Pride: Amnesty welcomes Peter Tatchell to Belfast to shine light on homophobia (07 July 2008)

On Monday 28 July Amnesty International members will welcome well-known gay rights activist Peter Tatchell to Belfast to deliver the Amnesty International Pride Lecture as part of the city's gay pride festival. He will also join in a panel discussion, Pride Talks Back, following the Amnesty lecture. The human rights organisation is drawing attention to how lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experience homophobia and discrimination in different parts of the world. Tatchell is best known for his long-standing campaigns for gay equality. A fearless and sometimes controversial campaigner, in 2007 he was violently attacked at Moscow Pride while standing in solidarity with the local LGBT community. He is also a courageous campaigner for human rights and has twice attempted to perform a citizen's arrest on Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International's Northern Ireland programme director said: "Amnesty International is pleased to bring Peter Tatchell to Belfast Pride as part of its ongoing commitment to oppose homophobia and discrimination at home and abroad. Gay people in Northern Ireland know what it is to experience both verbal and physical homophobic attacks. Peter Tatchell will be able to help set this experience in an international context, where Pride parades can be banned and gay people imprisoned." Peter Tatchell said: "I am delighted to be coming to Belfast at a time when the lesbian and gay community is challenging the prejudice and verbal bullying of some local politicians. My talk at Belfast Pride I will highlight how, right across the world, LGBT people are resisting abuses of their human rights and standing together in solidarity against homophobicattacks. For me, universal LGBT h to shine light oiuman rights is the number one message of our Pride celebrations." "It is shameful that over 70 nations still outlaw homosexuality, that several countries retain the death penalty for same-sex relationships, and that none of the international human rights conventions explicitly guarantee gay equality and protection against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. It is time the UN passed a convention prohibiting homophobic discrimination and acknowledging that sexual rights are human rights."

As questions about rights and responsibilities, freedom of speech, homophobia in politics and potential hate crimes remain hot topics in the media and elsewhere, The Rainbow Project, NI's only health project for gay and bisexual men, continues to lobby for equality of opportunity and strategic approaches to improving understanding and relations between people of different sexual orientations. At a special event in The Long Gallery on 24 June, The Rainbow Project will put forward the case for the inclusion of all section 75 categories in the Cohesion, Sharing and Integration (Good Relations) Strategy for NI including sexual orientation. The focus in the now obsolete Shared Future Good Relations Strategy Document was on actions relating to sectarianism and racism only. It is the view of The Rainbow Project that there can be no hierarchy of equality and a good relations strategy that does not include actions to address for example good relations between people of different sexual orientation, people of different ages or disabled and able-bodied people simply cannot achieve the Cohesion, Sharing and Integration set out in its title. The event is co-sponsored by Sinn Fein's Martina Anderson and The Progressive Unionist Party's Dawn Purvis and will be the 1st time that Rainbow has held an event at Parliament Buildings. Martina Anderson, an MLA for Foyle, described the invitations co-signed by Progressive Unionist Party MLA Dawn Purvis as, "a sign of cross-community support for gay rights." Ms Anderson added that all 108 MLA's will be invited, creating an opportunity to listen and engage. Rainbow's Director, Mirjam Bader, said today: "It is vital that members of the gay community feel that, as citizens, taxpayers and contributors to this society, they have access to such a symbolic building and the right to have their voices heard there. We hold that there is a great danger that some minorities will be left behind if a good relations strategy for NI continues to focus on sectarianism and racism only. The gay community here is well aware that some politicians would prefer that they remain silent; however we will continue to seek to achieve what was laid down in Section 75 of the NI Act namely the duty to promote of equality of opportunity as well as to promote good relations between people in NI. An apt quote to support our approach can be found in the assembly records: "We have the option to live in a modern, decent society, and if we choose to have equality, it must be for everyone" Cllr David Ervine MLA (NI Assembly debate on Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2006, Monday 11 December 2006)

The Northern Ireland Assembly is to host a reception for gay rights groups at Parliament Buildings. The Coalition on Sexual Orientation and the Rainbow Project will be the guests of honour at the event. Martina Anderson, an MLA for Foyle and East Belfast MLA Dawn Purvis, will send out the invites in a sign of cross-community support for gay rights. A reception was planned for September, but Ms Anderson said she decided to bring it forward to June 24th in the light of the controversy surrounding her Assembly colleague Iris Robinson. Mrs Robinson, who is also a DUP MP and the wife of the First Minister, said on Radio Ulster last week that homosexuality is disgusting, loathsome, nauseating, wicked and vile and claimed gay people can be "cured. I wanted to ensure that wider society knew that the nonsense that came out of Iris is not reflective of the vast majority of politicians or citizens. Her Cruella de Vil outburst caused wide offence and hurt to those of us that want to create an equal society. As (Sinn Fein) spokesperson on equality and human rights I felt offended and enraged by Ms Robinson.

In the aftermath of a landmark court case which paved the way for unmarried couples in Northern Ireland to adopt, legal experts said there should be no reason as to why gay couples cannot take advantage of the ruling. Last week the House of Lords ruled that a man could legally be recognised as the father of his partner's biological daughter despite the fact that the couple were never married and do not have plans to marry. They have been together ever since the child was born with the biological father making no contributions to the child's upbringing. The couple had previously lost a case in Belfast High Court and in the Court of Appeal in their five year battle. The outcome of the case clearly states that it will be possible for unmarried couples to apply for adoption but does not exclusively say that it applies to same-sex couples. Though, as it does not exclude them either, it brings hope that gay couples will be allowed to adopt in Northern Ireland, coming into line with the rest of the UK. It is claimed that gay couples should be "eligible" and in a "normal position" to apply jointly to adopt a child though there will be setbacks. Although unmarried couples are able to adopt, the status of any couple will be taken into consideration in the application process. For example, a couple who have been together for a year but have a shaky relationship will not be eligible to adopt.

A Belfast gay man who successfully fought Lisburn City Council three years ago after it tried to ban civil partnership ceremonies has said he is taking legal action against Iris Robinson over her controversial homophobic comments. Robert Toner has also written to the Equality Commission asking them to back his complaint over the first lady's anti-gay remarks. Last week Mrs Robinson, a DUP MP, MLA and chair of the Assembly's Health Committee, sparked outrage when she described homosexuality as an " abomination" and said gays needed psychiatric help to be "turned around". Mr Toner, who came out five years ago, believes his human rights have been breached. He has lodged a formal complaint with police and enlisted the help of solicitor Kevin Winters to pursue a legal challenge. Mr Toner, a gay rights activist who has suffered homophobic abuse, said he was "worried" about the effect Mrs Robinson's comments could have on the wider community. In an article in the Belfast Telegraph, Mr Toner said "It is very, very hurtful to think that someone says I need psychiatric help because I am gay. It is totally uncalled for, it is totally horrendous that a public representative has said this. "I have done two things. Firstly, I have made a submission to the Equality Commission — I have sent a letter asking them to back our complaint. And my solicitor is also looking into a possible breach of the Public Order Act — article 9 — which deals with threatening behaviour and insulting words. She condemned the gay-bashing attack on a man in Newtownabbey, but then used the attack on him as a tactic to browbeat homosexuality — I find that very worrying. I come from west Belfast where the number of suicides is very high — a number of those suicides could be because of issues with sexuality."

The gay rugby world cup has begun in the Republic of Ireland. The Bingham Cup is in its fourth year and is being hosted this time by Dublin-based rugby team, the Emerald Warriors. Organisers hope the tournament will promote rugby as an all-inclusive sport which everyone can play, regardless of sexuality. "People when the hear the word gay and rugby in a sentence they tend to react, there is an immediate 'those two things don't belong together'," said organiser Nick Costello. "We've had a fairly broad range of reaction. From inside the gay community it's almost uniformly positive." Thirty two teams will take to the rugby pitches at the tournament in north Dublin. Sides have flown over from all over the world, including teams from Australia, France, the United States and Canada. The Ulster Titans, a Belfast-based team, are also competing and their first game is a derby clash with the Emerald Warriors. The cup is named in honour of Mark Bingham, a player for San Francisco Fog. He died on 11 September 2001 aboard flight 93. The tournament has previously been held in San Francisco, London and New York and runs until 15 June.

A new group for lesbian, gay and bisexual people has been launched in Bangor, Co Down. Gay and Lesbian across Down (GLAD) aims to provide a range of events for gay people living in or visiting the county, which is south of Belfast. District Commander Chief Superintendent Graham Shields of the Northern Ireland Police Service used the launch event to present a new initiative designed to increase the reporting of homophobic hate crime. 20,000 leaflets printed and distributed by GLAD and funded by the police will inform people of future events and detail how to report hate crimes. An Ulster Unionist Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Alan McFarland, and UUP councillor James McKerrow also attended the launch event. Andrew Muir, Chairperson of GLAD, said: "Back in 1996 when I came out as a gay man I was living in Bangor. "It was a completely different place than today. I felt excluded, isolated and alone. "Today in 2008 I am now again living in Bangor. I feel valued in a part of Northern Ireland which embraces diversity and provides hope of the future." GLAD grew out of the North Down and Ards Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans group, which was officially formed on March 2007. "With growing interest in the group we felt it necessary to hold a Development Weekend in October last year," said Mr Muir. "At this weekend we discussed how the group should grow over the next number of years. "We agreed to adopt a new and much more snappy name. To make the group more accessible we also agreed to launch an Induction Service." The Induction Service was formally launched at the event and allows people to find out more about the group by ringing GLAD's dedicated phone line (07791 398 438). It also offers the opportunity for people to 'break the ice' and meet up with induction service volunteers in advance of events. Meetings can be arranged by ringing the phone line. A full programme of events was announced at the launch, with something occurring every month, ranging from a Community Safety event in May to Camping and Caravanning Weekend with Barbeque in June and an Interior Design talk in September. GLAD also used the event as an opportunity to make an award to North Down Borough Council in recognition of the support provided by the Council since the group's inception. Further details on the group are available from www.gladni.org by emailing info@gladni.org or telephone 07791 398 438.

Northern Ireland's only gay rugby team is promoting a form of sporting apartheid, Sports Minister Edwin Poots has claimed. Mr Poots said he could not understand the motivation behind the founding of the Belfast-based Ulster Titans. "I just cannot fathom why people see the necessity to develop an apartheid in sport," he said. However, one of the team's founders, Declan Lavery, said everyone was welcome to join the club. "When the club was set up it welcomed members regardless of their age, creed, religion, sexual orientation or whatever, and that's how it continues," Mr Lavery said. "Yes, it was primarily something established as a vehicle for gay people but that doesn't mean somebody who isn't gay can't join, everyone is welcome." However, Mr Poots said: "It would be unacceptable to produce an all-black rugby team or an all-white team or an all-Chinese team. "To me it's equally unacceptable to produce an all-homosexual rugby team and I find it remarkable that people who talk so much about inclusivity and about having an equal role in society would then go down the route of exclusion."

The DUP First Minister Ian Paisley has faced his first major crisis as Ulster's leader when his son resigned from his government amid growing controversy over cash and cronyism allegations that have damaged both men's reputations. Ian Paisley jnr insists he has done nothing wrong. Ian Paisley jnr became the first casualty of Northern Ireland's power-sharing regime when he handed his resignation to his father following five months of publicity about his alleged lobbying tactics, links to a local property tycoon and homophobic comments in Hotpress. Paisley jnr, told Hotpress: "I am, unsurprisingly, a straight person. "I am pretty repulsed by gay and lesbianism. I think it is wrong. I think that those people harm themselves and - without caring about it - harm society. "That doesn't mean to say that I hate them. I mean, I hate what they do." His comments were heavily criticised by partners in the coalition government in Northern Ireland, including Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, who assured the gay community that Paisley Jnr was not speaking on behalf of the devolved administration. Mr Paisley Jnr was nominated for the Stonewall Bigot of the Year award 2007.

Seven months ago Seany O'Kane was planning to build a global fan base. But last night, Ulster's Big Brother 8 contestant admitted he was penniless and on the verge of despair - and now contemplating building houses. The unemployed Derryman was speaking to the Belfast Telegraph after the reality TV show - which he initially saw as springboard to success - dramatically failed to kick-start his career. "There's nothing worse than being broke and famous," the 26-year-old said. In terms of future projects, the annoying redhead said he hasn't given up hope of becoming a top television star just yet. "I feel I already have the public on my side," he said.

Northern Ireland's first gay rugby team - the Belfast based Ulster Titans - has set its sights on the largest biennial 15-a-side rugby tournament in the world, the Bingham Cup - or the Gay Rugby World Cup which will be held in Dublin this summer. The internationally renowned event is expected to generate millions of euro for the Republic's economy and has received the support of some high-profile Leinster players, current Irish star Gordon D'Arcy and former internationals Emmett Byrne, Liam Toland, John McWeeney and Peter Coyle. Last weekend the Titans flew to Newcastle to compete in their first inter-regional competition as part of this campaign. And while they did not come out top of the table - they came fifth in the tournament - chairman Sean McEvoy explained that the team were just happy they did not come last. "We were just delighted to be playing," he said. "We are not in any league as such and this was our first competition. We even had our first win. We played three matches throughout the day. We lost to Cardiff and Manchester but we beat Newcastle 10-5." McEvoy believes the outcome was a very positive result for the 15-member squad, which has only been together for a year. Since the Titans started, they have struggled to find a proper sporting ground to train on, making it difficult for them to be up to the same standards of some of the more well-established sides. Sean added that the Titans hoped they would be able to find a floodlit ground soon to enable them to prepare for the Bingham Cup which kicks off in June. He said the team was determined to compete in the tournament but also hoped to expand the club in Northern Ireland. "We hope to one day get into the Ulster Branch and compete on that level. Those who are in the team are determined. Some have never even played rugby before but they really enjoy it." Anyone interested in joining the Titans should visit www.ulstertitans.com

On a seemingly routine Tuesday afternoon, word came that 28-year-old actor Heath Ledger, best known for his Oscar-nominated role as a gay cowboy in "Brokeback Mountain," was found dead in a downtown New York apartment. Apparently, a masseuse showed up for an appointment and was led in by a housekeeper, who discovered Ledger's body about 3:30 p.m. The police found pills near his naked body. There was no obvious indication of suicide, New York Police Department spokesman Paul Browne said. An autopsy is planned for today. In "Brokeback Mountain," his portrayal of secret male love made Ledger an instant icon in the gay community, according to Neil G. Giuliano, president of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. "His powerful portrayal changed hearts and minds in immeasurable ways," Giuliano said in a statement. "Brokeback Mountain" also was where he met actress Michelle Williams, with whom he lived until the two split up last year. The couple had a daughter, Matilda. Ledger also had relationships with actresses Heather Graham and Naomi Watts. Ledger was born in Perth, Australia, in 1979 to a mining engineer and a French teacher, according to the Associated Press. At 16, he began appearing in independent films in Sydney. When he was 19, he came to Los Angeles and landed a part in '10 Things I Hate About You', a modern-day version of 'The Taming of the Shrew'. His roles in 'The Patriot' (2000) and 'A Knight's Tale' (2001) earned him heartthrob stature. But his career path steered him back to the independent movies, including 'Monster's Ball' in 2001, and 'Brokeback Mountain' in 2005. "I had such great hope for him," Mel Gibson, who played Ledger's vengeful father in "The Patriot," said in a statement, the Associated Press reported. "He was just taking off, and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss." In an interview published in November in the New York Times, Ledger said he was "stressed out a little too much" while making 'I'm Not There' and had trouble sleeping during the filming of 'The Dark Knight'. "Last week, I probably slept an average of two hours a night," Ledger told the Times. "I couldn't stop thinking. My body was exhausted, and my mind was still going." Unlike most of his contemporaries, Ledger had an old-fashioned manliness - the kind that seems to have fled America and gone south in recent years, as far south as Australia. But unlike most of the old-fashioned manly stars of America's macho period, Ledger was at his best playing men in turmoil, men in trouble, men suffering from deep wounds to the spirit. At 28, he had 25 prime casting years ahead of him this has been tragically cut short.

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