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No prosecution over 'gay' remarks No prosecution over 'gay' remarks
(about 2 hours later)
A Northern Ireland assembly member will not face prosecution over comments she made about homosexuals last year.A Northern Ireland assembly member will not face prosecution over comments she made about homosexuals last year.
Iris Robinson, chair of the Stormont health committee, called for homosexuals to seek psychiatric counselling.Iris Robinson, chair of the Stormont health committee, called for homosexuals to seek psychiatric counselling.
Mrs Robinson said if gay people got help they could be "turned around".Mrs Robinson said if gay people got help they could be "turned around".
The police said they were satisfied no offence had been committed. But a gay rights group said in future she should "respect the diversity" in society.The police said they were satisfied no offence had been committed. But a gay rights group said in future she should "respect the diversity" in society.
Mrs Robinson made her comments on BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show last June.Mrs Robinson made her comments on BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show last June.
"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," 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," she said.
"I'm happy to put any homosexual in touch with this gentleman and I have met people who have turned around and become heterosexuals.""I'm happy to put any homosexual in touch with this gentleman and I have met people who have turned around and become heterosexuals."
She later repeated her view that homosexuality was an "abomination" but denied she had ever indicated it was a mental health issue.She later repeated her view that homosexuality was an "abomination" but denied she had ever indicated it was a mental health issue.
'Freedom of speech''Freedom of speech'
The police said that they had carried out a lengthy and complex investigation into the comments.The police said that they had carried out a lengthy and complex investigation into the comments.
"On receipt of the advice of the Public Prosecution Service and considering all of the matters raised, the Police Service is satisfied that on the occasions considered, Mrs Robinson did not commit an offence," a spokesperson said. "On receipt of the advice of the Public Prosecution Service and considering all of the matters raised, the police service is satisfied that on the occasions considered, Mrs Robinson did not commit an offence," a spokesperson said.
"As a consequence, no further police action will be taken in relation to these complaints.""As a consequence, no further police action will be taken in relation to these complaints."
However, Colin Flinn, who chairs an advisory group for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgendered people said the current legislation needed to be reviewed.However, Colin Flinn, who chairs an advisory group for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgendered people said the current legislation needed to be reviewed.
He said: "While we are disappointed that a prosecution will not take place enabling the law to be publically tested, we hope that in future Mrs Robinson and others may in future respect the diversity within our society and desist in attacking our community.He said: "While we are disappointed that a prosecution will not take place enabling the law to be publically tested, we hope that in future Mrs Robinson and others may in future respect the diversity within our society and desist in attacking our community.
"There is a fine balance between freedom of speech, expressions of faith and the human right to be oneself and to live within a society free from discrimination and fear, whatever one's sexuality orientation. ""There is a fine balance between freedom of speech, expressions of faith and the human right to be oneself and to live within a society free from discrimination and fear, whatever one's sexuality orientation. "
One of the men who complained about her comments said that he was satisfied that his complaint had been investigated.
But Mark, who preferred not to have his surname released, said that he was disappointed no further action would be taken.
"I think that because she said it and got away with it it may encourage other people who have similar views," he said.
"She was speaking as someone in a public office and I think religious beliefs should be kept out of it."
The DUP said that an "orchestrated vilification" of Mrs Robinson has failed.
"It is a shame that those behind it cannot accept the decision of the PSNI and the PPS. Iris Robinson did nothing wrong," she said.
"She was asked to express a personal view and that is exactly what she did: Ulster people who believe in the fundamental right to freedom of speech accept this."