Paisley remarks illustrate need for new youth group's foundation

1.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 2nd Jun 2007

Opposing attacks on minority groups was top of the agenda at the first meeting of the newly formed Alliance Youth group, formally established in Whitehead today.

Speaking at the event, West Tyrone representative Michael Bower stated: "Ian Paisley Jr's recent comments on homosexuality remind us of the DUP's true colours and that they are clearly still rooted in the divisive, intolerant politics of the past. The fact that matters of equality actually come under the remit of Mr Paisley's ministerial position make the comments all the more disturbing.

"How are the hundreds of young people across Northern Ireland who attempt suicide due to inner conflicts concerning sexuality make these remarks still more worrying, coming as they do from someone in a position of authority."

North Down representative Cllr Ian James Parsley added: "As a Liberal organization we support freedom of speech, but we also condemn those who abuse it. Such remarks do immense damage. Northern Ireland is moving towards being a modern, forward thinking state and cannot be held back by the type of attitude reflected by Mr Paisley."

The group has been set up to provide an umbrella for the Alliance Party's youth wing and Alliance/Liberal Societies in educational institutions and youth organizations across Northern Ireland, and to provide a link for those groups to the European Liberal Youth network.

ENDS