Ogra FF chair retracts remarks on homosexuals

THE incoming chairperson of Ogra Fianna Fáil’s largest third-level cumann has apologised for suggesting gay adoption would be “detrimental” to the country and the “lifestyles engaged by the majority of those who have homosexuality...” was something he would never accept.

In an blog dated February 27, 2010, Eoin Furlong — who was elected chairman of the Donogh O’Malley Cumann in University College Cork on Tuesday — wrote that “as a proud member of Fianna Fáil, and Ógra, this is one piece of policy that I simply cannot support”.

His blog — posted under the heading That’s all Right with me, before being removed, said: “The Irish family is something we as a nation must en devour [sic] to preserve and protect. Thankfully, the [Civil Partnership Bill] does not allow same-sex couples to adopt, something which would be detrimental to the children and future of this country.”

Mr Furlong went on to describe himself as a traditionalist, a Christian and “by no means homophobic”.

However, while pointing out he had a number of gay friends who are “perfectly normal people” he went on: “How can those people expect the majority of people in this country to take them seriously if they insist on prancing around half naked, sporting a tutu and sprinkling fairy dust around the country.”

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Furlong said when he wrote the entry, he did not intend for it to be taken seriously and his remarks were not something he would stand by today.

“I am from a rural background and I was never exposed to homosexuality. College has opened my eyes to the pressing need for marriage equality.

“We in the cumann have always enjoyed a great working relationship with the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) society on campus and over the next year, as chairperson of the cumann, I will be coordinating a campaign on campus that will call on the incoming government to prioritise equal marriage rights for all citizens.”

A Fianna Fáil spokesperson said the party is fully committed to equality, the views expressed on the blog were the views of the author and “did not reflect Fianna Fáil policy”.

The college LBGT society declined to comment.