Valid article with some good points but I really don't think that the response was overtly anti-gay, it was just that a lot of parents felt uncomfortable with the provocative behaviour on their TV screens. Whether it was homo/heterosexual behaviour didn't matter as much as the fact that it was overtly sexual. People shouldn't underestimate people's understanding and acceptance of minorities- while there are still those who abuse gays in our society a silent majority are very comfortable- just last weekend in Belfast city centre I saw two different gay couples holding hands and response was curious but very positive.

Posted by SAM | 30.11.09, 17:30 GMT

Passthebucket - Oh dear - you seem to think you're enlightened but just 'feel sick' at the sight of two people who happen to be men kissing. You really need to look at yourself and try to treat your 'sickness' (which Nick Griffin of course shares with you) - rather than express it out loud as if it were a valid argument against public affection.

If I, say, was replused by people with red hair, or felt sickened by the sight of a female bus-driver, would it be valid for me to raise those concerns? Or should I maybe just shut up and try to get help for my ridiculous prejudices?

Posted by Jessica | 30.11.09, 10:07 GMT

It wasn't so much the "kiss" that got people mad. It was the stimulation of the oral sex part with the guy on the chain. Being a gay male myself, I certainly found this part of the show to be offensive. So please, before you write another article, get ALL the facts of the story. Even though there is still a lot gay bashing going on in Belfast, at least you have same sex marriage which is more than we have in New York State. Now if only priests were allowed to marry other priests, maybe they wouldn't choose young male victims and destroy their lives.

Posted by Keva | 29.11.09, 16:24 GMT

Jane - here is my problem - yes my problem. I'm not homophobic. I think gay people have the sames rights as everyone else - gay marriage etc. I honestly don't care. I'd be the first to denounce comments from people Irish Robinson. People should be free to live their lives and not be chastised for it. However seeing two men kissing provokes a automatic reaction in me - I feel sick. That to you might sound anti-gay. And I know there will be a lot of people freaking out when I say that. But it is the truth. I can't help it. It just turns my stomach. So I cannot 'applaud it' and must 'avert my eyes'. I'm just being honest. Sorry.

Posted by Passthebucket | 29.11.09, 07:59 GMT

Well done Adam, it's about time we had more positive images of gays and lesbians of all ages showing a bit of love. I mean we've had enough of straight people getting all the action and if it gives iris robinson a sleepness night then all the better!

Posted by brendan | 28.11.09, 19:07 GMT

Quite simply homosexuality is sin; this is something which ought not be applauded, nor encouraged. Moreover it is wrong to portray homosexual behaviour as normal, especially to the young and vulnerable.

To condemn and vilify homosexuality by the way of mere ranting is unhelpful. The homosexual is in need of God's so great salvation in the same way as other sinners. The Bible puts it like this ... 'Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.' (1Cor6:9-11)

Posted by Rev Mervyn Cotton | 27.11.09, 20:15 GMT