Norris must make statement and dispel ugly myths

SOME commentators in the media have — in melodramatic mode — drawn a comparison between the treatment meted out to Senator David Norris, and that of Oscar Wilde.

We have, however, moved on somewhat from the narrative of persecution inflicted upon one of our greatest literary giants because he transgressed the sexual mores of the time.

It is worth recounting that Norris is still the front runner for the Presidency at around 41%.

This indicates a degree of tolerance, and acceptance which is encouraging in relation to the social body concerning gay culture, despite the serious nature of homophobia which is still very much alive.

The problem for Norris emanates not from the homophobes who will always be there, but from social liberals, some of whom are not yet convinced that the senator has the media savvy to allay fears which are still circulating in the public mind in relation to his attitude to pederasty. The onus is on Norris to make a public statement to the effect that he repudiates pederasty as an odious anachronism belonging to another age and civilisation, and that he fully accepts modern developmental psychology as a healthy means of psycho-sexual formation, relating to heterosexual, or homosexual identity.

He must also fully endorse the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences Act 1993). By doing this he will remove any ambiguity relating to his own values concerning an area where there is no room for doubt of any kind.

This surely will assist him, and dispel an ugly narrative of myth which has arisen relating to him.

Pierce Martin

Celbridge

Co Kildare