Anti-gay hecklers interrupt McDowell speech

Anti-gay hecklers have interrupted a speech by Minister for Justice Michael McDowell on civil partnerships for same sex couples.

The minister was making the speech at a conference in Dublin this morning when a jug of water, a number of cups and copies of the constitution were thrown at him by six men in the audience.

The men accused Mr McDowell of seeking to pervert Irish children before they were eventually escorted from the building.

They are believed to be members of the Catholic organisation the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Speaking afterwards, Mr McDowell said he was not fazed by the protest and “having a mini-riot” would not change the fact that gay and lesbian people are equal citizens in Irish society.