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| 'Eastenders' MEP in DUP gay row | 'Eastenders' MEP in DUP gay row |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| A former Eastenders TV star has accused the DUP MP Iris Robinson of encouraging "hatred and intolerance" with her recent comments about gay people. | A former Eastenders TV star has accused the DUP MP Iris Robinson of encouraging "hatred and intolerance" with her recent comments about gay people. |
| Michael Cashman, who is now an MEP, told Mrs Robinson he was dismayed by her remarks last month that homosexuals should seek psychiatric help. | Michael Cashman, who is now an MEP, told Mrs Robinson he was dismayed by her remarks last month that homosexuals should seek psychiatric help. |
| "It was with great dismay I learned that you have called homosexuality an abomination," he wrote in a letter. | "It was with great dismay I learned that you have called homosexuality an abomination," he wrote in a letter. |
| A spokesman said the DUP was "committed to equality and opportunity for all". | A spokesman said the DUP was "committed to equality and opportunity for all". |
| "If Mr Cashman was genuinely interested in hearing from Mrs Robinson, he would not have made the details of his correspondence available to the media," added the spokesman. | |
| The West Midlands Labour party representative's letter continued: "MPs should be representative of all citizens and work towards an inclusive and open society. | |
| Iris Robinson said gay people should seek counselling | Iris Robinson said gay people should seek counselling |
| "I have to sadly admit that your comments do the contrary and encourage hatred and intolerance towards homosexual people. Also, too often children and teenagers suffer severe discrimination in their schools and families,'' he said. | "I have to sadly admit that your comments do the contrary and encourage hatred and intolerance towards homosexual people. Also, too often children and teenagers suffer severe discrimination in their schools and families,'' he said. |
| Mr Cashman, who is gay and whose TV character was involved in the first gay kiss on UK television, said Mrs Robinson's comments "fuelled homophobia in our society and are an obstacle for young gays and lesbians to live a normal life". | Mr Cashman, who is gay and whose TV character was involved in the first gay kiss on UK television, said Mrs Robinson's comments "fuelled homophobia in our society and are an obstacle for young gays and lesbians to live a normal life". |