In response to the petition put on the Prime Minister's website calling for the PM to reprimand Iris Robinson MP and MLA[1][1], LGBT Greens react:

"While to some degree of course LGBT Greens respect the autonomy of the decisions of the Northern Irish Assembly, the latest decision to not publicly challenge one of the most outspoken homophobic Members of Parliament can not go without comment," Stated Phelim Mac Cafferty on behalf of LGBT Greens.

"The petition received almost 16,000 signatories which for a petition set up only a matter of weeks ago is phenomenal. It is also clear from the petition that many Northern Irish and Northern Irish diaspora have signed the petition, which along with the strong reaction against Iris Robinson at Belfast Pride suggest that straight as well as LGBT people are repulsed by her bigotry.

"Without much fuss, Brown can make clear that the opinions expressed by Robinson are intolerable. While his response states that there's legislation to deal with homophobia he has missed an opportunity to insist that the law-makers should be among the first to practice what they preach.

"Would Brown idly stand by and allow racist MPs to carry on unchallenged? I doubt it. So why is he allowing homophobes to get away with broadcasting their hatred?

"This is a Member of parliament whose homophobia seems to know no bounds, someone who in the aftermath of a serious homophobic attack decided to talk of homosexuality as "vile," "disgusting," "nauseating" and "an abomination,"

LGBT Greens are writing to the Speaker of the House of Commons to request that should Iris Robinson attempt to enter the House of Commons chamber she is denied from doing so for her homophobia and for bringing the House of Commons into disrepute.

Phelim concluded: "Let's be clear, while Iris Robinson is on the public payroll, she must listen to us. Resign and resign now Iris."

News from the Green Party