Mr Maguire seeks to blame homosexuals for AIDS. Scientific opinion is that it is caused by a virus which can be spread by a number of mechanisms including sexual activity (all types), the injection of drugs, contaminated blood transfusions and through being born to someone suffering from the condition. Blaming homosexuals for AIDS is like blaming Diabetes on Fatty food. It is to infer an absolute causal relationship where none exists.
Mr Maguire seeks to blame homosexuality for suicide and distress whereas any prevalence of these conditions within homosexuals (if true) is more likely to reflect the widespread nature of social prejudice against those born into the LGBT community – a problem likely made all the worse by Mr Maguire’s intervention.
Against the backdrop of the recent exposure of how the Catholic Church presided and covered up for a pervasive network of systematic sexual and physical abuse, it is sickening that anyone can, in their name, attack others for their sexuality.
Moreover, the courts have recently heard evidence suggesting that the brutal murder of Shaun Fitzpatrick in Dungannon in 2008 may have been due to his homosexuality; those who peddle homophobia share the blame for the violence that they propagate throughout society. It is the same as for those who peddle racism, sexism or sectarian prejudice.
Working class people need to stand united for change. Any attempt to divide us whether along racial lines, gender, sexuality or religion weakens our abilities to change society for the better.
Yours faithfully,
Domhnall Ó Cobhthaigh
Socialist Party, Fermanagh
The CWU is set to ballot its members in BT for industrial action over pay for the first time since 1987.
Today’s strike is a hugely important step forward in the struggle to stop the cuts.
Assembly cuts responsible for closure of Unit at the Royal Hospitals