Northern Irish MP Iris Robinson is in trouble again after comparing homosexuality to child sex abuse.
The Member of UK Parliament, who stood by a slew of homophobic remarks last month, told the House of Commons on June 18 that there could be “no viler act, apart from homosexuality and sodomy, than sexually abusing innocent children.”
Although a Hansard official later checked recordings and confirmed that her comments were transcribed correctly, Mrs Robinson denied she had made the remarks. “I clearly intended to say that child abuse was worse than even homosexuality and sodomy,” she said. “At no point have I set out to suggest homosexuality was worse than child sex abuse.”
Despite the denial, in what by now is typical fashion, Robinson launched into a self-defense that only revealed more contempt for gays and lesbians:
Let’s look at it. Can you think of anything more vile than man and man or woman and woman and sexually abusing children? What I say I base on biblical pronouncements, based on God’s word. I am amazed that people are surprised when I quote from scriptures. It shows the churches either aren’t preaching God’s word or are watering it down. … I cannot think of anything more sickening than a child being abused. It is comparable to the act of homosexuality. I think they are all comparable. I feel totally repulsed by both.
So at best, homosexuality is merely as bad as raping children – not necessarily worse. Slanderous and pathetic. I wonder if her supporters still agree she is the target of a witch hunt for simply repeating Scripture?
Brace yourself for the final irony:
I am trying to reach out to people. I try to reach out and love them. That is what Christ teaches us. He wants us to help all people and give them an opportunity. We all have the opportunity to come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. Anything I say is out of love. I am not hate-mongering. I cannot leave my Christian values hanging at the door when I go into politics.
Given that you linked to my website in your piece, I’m going to give you the reply you want.
Firstly, Mrs Robinson’s statement as a theological statement is incorrect. There is no viler sin than any other – sin is sin is sin. It is simply incorrect to state that homosexual practice is worse than child abuse. Now from my own personal perspective, it is entirely possible to be in a consensual sexual relationship and still sin, but to force yourself upon anybody, especially a minor, is in the eyes of most people a completely different act then sinning where no third party is involved.
Secondly, I believe that this new statement from Iris Robinson presents a different position from the one I supported last month, and while I stand by my words in June, please also recognise that I am joining you in rebuking Iris Robinson as regards this second statement. Please do me the courtesy of recognising the difference between the issue I made last time (that Christians should be able to say publicly what the Bible says) and the issue with this latest statement (that Christians should not make moral categorisation judgements that the Bible does not make).
Peter+
I feel repulsed by people like her, myself. So, given her logic, and based on her comments she is worse than pedophilia because it repulses ME.
“Repulsed” is such a vampire like personal reaction to the sight of a male or female couple. Does she recoil and cower in horror behind those giant jacket lapels when she sees a gay couple?
I mean, really. The straight friends I have don’t have such reactions towards my partner and me. I suppose they could just be keeping their dry heaves a secret, but I would imagine that it’s kind of hard to hide repulsion, even when it is coated in sweet Jesusy love.
“Here gay couple, please accept the warm puppy that is my repulsion.”
“Why, thank you Ms. Robinson.”
She sounds a little Larry Craig-ish to me.