MP should quit says gay activist

Peter Tatchell was speaking in Belfast

Gay rights activist Peter Tatchell has told an audience in Belfast that the DUP MP Iris Robinson should resign over her recent remarks about homosexuality.

Mr Tatchell gave the Amnesty International Pride lecture on Monday night for the city's Gay Pride Week.

He said Mrs Robinson's comments that homosexuality was an abomination were "unacceptable".

Mr Tatchell said she would have been forced from office if she made similar comments about other minorities.

"People would have said that such comments are totally unacceptable," he said.

"The fact that many are making excuses for people, saying that her conscience or religion gives her an excuse for making these remarks, I find unconscionable."

Mrs Robinson has previously said she would defend her right to express her religious beliefs, while condemning violence against the gay community.