Gay activist’s ‘King Billy was a homosexual’ claim sparks furore
Monday, 28 July 2008
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A leading gay rights activist has raised the temperature in the row over homosexuality by claiming there was evidence King Billy had male lovers.
Peter Tatchell highlighted the controversial allegation as evidence of hypocrisy over homosexuality in Northern Ireland, but he was condemned by unionists for setting out to deliberately cause offence.
The campaigner will tonight deliver the Amnesty International Pride Lecture in Belfast.
Mr Tatchell’s appearance at the city’s week-long gay pride festival comes after the DUP’s Iris Robinson sparked controversy by branding homosexuality an abomination.
Mrs Robinson, wife of First Minister Peter Robinson, has condemned all attacks on the gay community, but Mr Tatchell said: "It is particularly hypocritical for unionist politicians to play the homophobic card when their hero William of Orange had male lovers."
King Billy was married, but some academics have pointed to his promotion of young men to high office as evidence of bisexuality.
A DUP spokesman dismissed the allegation.
"This is the kind of deliberately offensive and provocative comment and shock tactics that he has used in the past," he said.
Mrs Robinson sparked controversy when she said that, in line with her Christian beliefs, she sees homosexuality as an abomination.
The Strangford MP has repeatedly denied her remarks were homophobic, insisting she had Christian love for gay people themselves and condemned anyone who would attack people for their sexuality.
But Mr Tatchell targeted Mrs Robinson for heavy criticism ahead of his Belfast speech.
"Iris Robinson’s remarks are part of a pattern of homophobia that seems to characterise sections of Northern Irish society," he said.
"It is only a year ago that Ian Paisley jnr made upsetting outbursts against gay people.
"Iris Robinson claims homosexuality is not natural, yet same-sexual relations are found in every human society and every animal species.
"That seems pretty natural to me.”
Ian Paisley jnr caused controversy by saying he was repulsed by gays, but he and other senior DUP figures have defended their right to express their moral opposition to homosexuality, while also maintaining their condemnation of homophobic violence.
Mr Tatchell has campaigned internationally and he warned that his experience has been that public comments against homosexuality can result in physical attacks on gay people.
"It is shameful that over 70 nations still outlaw homosexuality, that several countries retain the death penalty for same-sex relationships, and that none of the international human rights conventions explicitly guarantee gay equality and protection against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
"It is time the UN passed a convention prohibiting homophobic discrimination and acknowledging that sexual rights are human rights.
Online encyclopedia outlines homosexual accusations
The online encyclopedia Wikipedia gives details of the the homosexual accusations made against King Billy.
It states: "During the 1690s rumours of William's homosexual inclinations grew and led to the publication of many satirical pamphlets. He had several male favourites, including two Dutch courtiers to whom he granted English dignities: Hans Willem Bentinck became Earl of Portland, and Arnold Joost van Keppel was created Earl of Albemarle.
"These close relationships with men and the lack of mistresses led William's enemies to suggest that he preferred homosexual relationships. "
Further reading at Wikipedia
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Comments
53 Comments
Here is Iris Robinson, there is no fact, just human opinion. She is allowed to have the opinion that homosexuality is evil (no matter how wrong she may be), the lives of the gay community however, are absolutly none of her business! I think we are right to show open condemnation for what she has said, however we can take comfort from the irony, that in "doing the lords work" she is actually showing herself to be a flawed christain Speak on Iris - for YOU will be judged!
Posted by Eoin | 07.08.08, 21:43 GMT
Homosexuality is evil and perverted. Evolution did not happen. It is no wonder unionists find few supporters in the world. They live in the pre-Englightment portion of the 17th century, while the rest of the world moves to the 21st century.
Posted by JerryF | 07.08.08, 15:01 GMT
I do not want anything to do with the DUP or what the stand for.
Why are people so surprised at what Iris said? The majority of N Ireland voted this party in to power fully knowing what they stand for.
The people that voted them in are responsible. Get them out before they bring everyone down and shame us to the world.
Posted by Eoin | 04.08.08, 17:47 GMT
Mr Tatchell wishes to compare the human species to other animals in the area of homosexuality and in so doing aligns himself and his movement with social evolutionists. There's also virgin birth in some species does that mean he believes in the virgin birth of Jesus? Some animals also eat their young at birth. Does that justify infanticide?
Posted by Dr David Green | 04.08.08, 12:41 GMT
SBelbast
----could that not be offensive to the British, Easter Rising in Republic of Ireland-----
in 1800's were you aware of the history and huge population loss (holocaust due to food shortage in Ireland) ironic that there was plenty of food but all going out of the country and none for the starving millions of peasants who were left to perish yes Victoria came to the rescue (but way too late) After 1850 there was no confidence in Britain hence the AngloIrish war 60yrs later and since gaining independence of (26cos)
human rights did prevail and control of destiny eventuated wherein anglo/irish war took place
could that not be offensive to the Irish (invasion by Cromwell in Ireland)?
Posted by patriotozzi | 01.08.08, 07:18 GMT
patriotozzi,
Some of the residents in Northern Ireland, for one reason or another see the Battle of the Boyne as part of their heritage, and consider how it shaped their future, hence the celebrations.
Many historical battles are celebrated in one way or another, and some that could be deemed offensive. American Independance, when the US celebrate independance from Britain, could that not be offensive to the British, Easter Rising in Republic of Ireland, the list goes on.
The Battle of the Boyne is just a historical battle that people like to remember and celebrate.
Posted by SBelfast | 31.07.08, 12:10 GMT
why is Battle of the Boyle celebrated in 6cos of NI? and
why is William III honoured so much more in 6cos NI than in any other part of the UK (not even Scotland)?? and
why is the Battle of the Boyne relived every year (more than 400yrs)
is it that it is more historical and significant than any other battle fought in the history of Britain
or is it that other parts of UK and Republic of Ireland are living in the 21st century?
could somebody please enlighten me?
Posted by patriotozzi, Australia | 31.07.08, 00:33 GMT
ONLY three foot four?
Posted by Winy Tang | 30.07.08, 21:36 GMT
Wee King Billy had a ten foot willy,
he showed it to the woman next door.
She thought it was a snake,
and cut it with a rake.
Now it's only three foot four.
Posted by Bing Killy | 30.07.08, 21:33 GMT
Does anyone of relevance really care what the sexuality of William was?
Posted by Tom | 30.07.08, 21:26 GMT
Chuck & D. Dust off your tutus and get with it !
Posted by Yip | 30.07.08, 14:23 GMT
I am so thankful to Mr. Tatchell, the media, Mr. Harper, and Mr. Williams for the exposure given to the homosexual issue of late. This Saturday's parade will be bigger than ever and an even greater opportunity for the Gospel to do its work in the hearts of all that will be present and have a heart to perceive, eyes to see, and ears to hear from the LORD. PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for gathering all of these listeners for Saturday,
Posted by Chuck & David's Mighty Men Evangelism Team | 30.07.08, 11:09 GMT
Bravo for Iris. Make her Prime Minister.
Posted by Harold Reimann | 29.07.08, 23:18 GMT
I think MrGuinnessey from the US should refrain from taring everyone with the same brush with his comment about Protestent Belfast needing to join the twenty first century amd step out of the caves. I can assure him that not all protestants in belfast - (far from it) - agree with Mrs Robinsons views and I am highly offended at the suggestion! Please dont make comments you know nothing about!
Posted by Jill | 29.07.08, 21:44 GMT
Maybe the Orange Order and the Gay Rights Movement could march together on the 12th of July. Pink and Orange together! Now there is something for the tourist board to sell.
Posted by JP | 29.07.08, 18:26 GMT
If you don't like the message, destroy and discredit the messengers!
Posted by Sean | 29.07.08, 18:21 GMT
Iris Robinson should resign straight away.
The Bible says for example that the seventh day shoulud be a day of rest, but we don't hear Iris shouting at all the shopkeepers that open on Sundays. I wonder why?
Iris also conveniently forgets that just 100 years ago she would have had no right to vote because she is a woman, only that we have moved on now and she can vote and be an MP.
Posted by Terry | 29.07.08, 17:45 GMT
King Billy was not the only Royal homosexual or bisexual. Reading British histories the giveaway word for a king's male lover was "favorite", ie, the Duke of Buckingham with Charles I. Henry II was well known for having sex with everything that moved. Richard the Lion-Hearted and Philip the Fair of France did more than shake hands. Edward II, even rumors about the late Duke of Windsor abound, etc., etc. So, what's new? Unionists and the DUP ought to read a few unbiased history books. Protestant Belfast needs to join the twenty first century and step out of the caves!
Posted by Jim Guinnessey, USA | 29.07.08, 17:10 GMT
I am openly gay but distance myself entirely from Peter Tatchell. Anybody who storms a pulpit in a church during an Arch Bishop's sermon doesnt do it in my name! This is NOT someone who can help at all.
Posted by Louise Colvin | 29.07.08, 15:53 GMT
Whether Billy is homosexual or not is not the issue. The cure for this whole debate lies not in politics, human reasoning, or religious traditions. The cure is grounded in what each indiviual will do about the Gospel and the Saviour of the in the Gospel. Try as we may, man has tried all manner of means to settle this issue and failed miserably and been non-trusting in religion; rightly so, as, Christ never presented religion as the means of cleansing from sin, He presented a personal relationship with Him thru the Gospel and that is not religion. Homosexuals are in the same boat with all mankind when it comes to the Gospel and the same judgement awaits them if they do not get saved and evidence 2 Corinthians 5:17. Without total trust in Christ, this world and its people will never change for the better, for all canbe removed in and thru Him alone.
Posted by Chuck & David's Mighty Men Evangelism Team | 29.07.08, 15:51 GMT
53 Comments