Arlene Foster is set to make a landmark move (Photo: Youtube)
DUP leader Arlene Foster is set to attend an event in Northern Ireland celebrating the LGBTI community.
The parliamentary summer reception in Stormont, on June 28, is intended to honor the contributions of LGBTI people to Northern Ireland. The event is to be hosted by media company PinkNews.
Foster accepted an invitation and announced her intention to attend to the DUP executive last week. She claimed that she is in favor of recognising the LGBTI community in spite of refusing to accept same-sex marriage.
‘I believe I can hold to my principled position, particularly in reality to the definition of marriage,’ she said to the DUP, ‘while respecting the diversity across our society and recognising that sexuality is a matter for the individual.’
Foster said she resents the criticism the DUP has received for its opposition to same-sex marriage. She denounced discrimination towards LGBTI people.
‘All I ask in return is that my, and our views, are also respected and not the subject of the vilest of abuse as has sometimes been the case by a small minority.
‘Just because we disagree on marriage does not mean that I can’t say that we value those who are LGBT in our society, and they should not be the subject of hate because of their sexuality.’
She claimed that the DUP is receiving support from various minority groups, including the LGBTI, despite their differences. She expressed a desire to welcome minorities to the DUP’s cause.
‘Roman Catholics, Irish speakers and yes, those who are gay and lesbian – I know because I have met people from all of these groups who vote DUP.
‘We must take our message to places that perhaps may not be traditional to our cause. I want to genuinely reach out to our minority communities and show them the hand of friendship, recognising they have made Northern Ireland their home.’
DUP has poor record on LGBTI rights
Foster claimed that she wanted to represent the people of Northern Ireland’s reputation for being ‘the most kindest and welcoming people in the world.’
The DUP’s record on LGBTI rights, however, says otherwise.
The party has repeatedly blocked attempts to legalise same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland. It also campaigned as part of the 1977 Save Ulster from Sodomy movement against legalizing gay sex.
Several DUP councillors and MPs have made homophobic statements publicly throughout the years.
MP Iain Paisley Jr, son of the DUP’s founder, said in 2007: ‘I am pretty repulsed by gay and lesbianism. I think it is wrong. I think that those people harm themselves and – without caring about it – harm society.’
Arlene Foster has repeatedly denied claims that her party, which was founded on evangelical Christian principles, is homophobic. Foster’s attendance at the event is considered an attempt to improve relations with the LGBTI community.
Also on Gay Star News:
Sinn Fein leader: DUP agreement only achievable if ‘people step into the light’ of same-sex marriage
