ONE STEP forward for man and a giant leap back for womankind.
In the same week her husband got his foot in the door as Northern Ireland’s First Minister, MP Iris Robinson’s foot was firmly lodged in her mouth as she claimed gay people need psychiatric help.
Mrs Robinson, Chair of the Stormont Health Commitee made the comments on Stephen Nolan’s BBC Radio Ulster show on Friday.
She said: “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.
“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 comments have been met with a backlash from gay rights campaigners, medical experts and Mrs Robinson’s Stormont Colleagues.
David McCartney from the Rainbow project rejected Robinson’s claims, saying there was no “body of evidence” to support them and has asked to meet with her.
Education Minister, Catriona Ruane said: “There are equality laws in the north of Ireland. I think it is really important that politicians play a leadership role and that leadership role should be not to say anything that could possibly inflame the situation or cause further distress.”
Robinson said she condemns violence against the gay community but also defends her rights to express religious beliefs.
Acccording to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, homosexuality is not a psychiatric disorder.
