Homophobic MP Iris Robinson turns down gay play invite
Northern Ireland MP Iris Robinson has declined an invite to see a play about anti-gay discrimination.
The politician, who has called homosexuality “an abomination”, is one of the stars of the show, as her voice is being used as part of the storyline.
The play, To Be Straight With You, will be shown at this year’s Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s later this month.
Excerpts from the Nolan Show from June 2008, in which she said gays could be turned straight, will be played during some scenes.
Robinson had 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.”
In the same month, she told the Belfast Telegraph that homosexuality was “comparable” to child sex abuse and that she was “repulsed” by the idea.
The show’s director, Lloyd Newson, told the Belfast Telegraph he was disappointed Robinson had not accepted the invitation.
Her office told producers: ““Thank you for your invitation and kind offer of tickets. Mrs Robinson will not be able to attend the Belfast event, as she already has engagements in her diary for those dates.
“Thank you again for contacting us. Best wishes.”
