TUV challenges DUP on Sexual Orientation Strategy
10 August 2010
TUV Leader Jim Allister has questioned why in the Joint First Ministers’ recently published ‘Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration’ there is a commitment to publish ‘a sexual orientation strategy’[para 1.9]. Describing it as an obvious sop to the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) lobby, Mr Allister attacks it as ‘utterly unnecessary, given the surfeit of legislation already imposed to promote such matters.”
In a statement Mr Allister said:-
“Having read the Joint First Ministers’ CSI strategy document, I am astounded to find that there is not one word of recognition of the contribution which nurturing the traditional family unit can make to a cohesive society, but there is a pledge [para 1.9] to bring forward what is termed ‘a sexual orientation strategy’.
“Given the past stances of the DUP on such issues I must challenge that party, and particularly those within it who pride themselves on a strong moral stand, as to why they are peddling a document pledged to prioritising such a strategy?
“Given the surfeit of legislation which already promotes this subject, this is an utterly unnecessary step. The document refers to duties under S 75(2) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, but nowhere within S 75(2) is special provision made or required for ‘sexual orientation’, rather it is restricted to promoting good relations between persons of different religion, political opinion or racial group. So there is no statutory justification or requirement for this intended sexual orientation strategy, rather it appears within this Sinn Fein driven CSI strategy as an obvious sop to the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) lobby. Why has the DUP rolled over and agreed to sponsor a sexual orientation strategy?
“It is not the only strategy to which within the CSI document the DUP is foolishly pledged. At para 5.16 the DUP’s DCAL ministry commits to a Minority Language Strategy, which, of course, will see the promotion and extension of Irish.”
