Anger at 'parading queers' jibe in row over gay marriage

GAY rights groups have called for a councillor to resign after he asked why "queers have to parade about in public".

Independent councillor Duncan Maclean made the comments after trying to stop same-sex marriage ceremonies from going ahead in registry offices and other venues.

Speaking to the Evening News today, he claimed his opinions were not offensive as none of his voters were gay. But equality campaigners and gay rights groups said they were stunned and outraged by his views.

The Armadale West councillor failed to find a seconder for his motion against the proposals on Monday afternoon, when councillors agreed to the holding of gay marriage ceremonies at registry offices and approved venues. He said fellow West Lothian councillors should "hang their heads in shame" after giving the green light to gay marriage ceremonies.

Cllr Maclean said today: "It's political correctness gone mad. As the Bible teaches, 'wrong-doers will not inherit the kingdom of God', and this includes lesbians and gays. If these people want to enter into a formal commitment, why don't they go to a lawyer and get them to sign a formal legal document? Why do these queers have to parade about in public?"

A spokesman for gay rights group Outrage said: "This councillor needs to get his act together. The world has changed. He's not the best person to be representing people in his constituency. He would be doing everyone a favour if he stepped down."

From December 5, two people of the same sex will be allowed to enter into a civil partnership by going through a registration procedure similar to that for a civil marriage. The Civil Partnership Act states that local authorities only need to provide a registration facility, but West Lothian has now gone a stage further in allowing a form of ceremony to be held.

Cllr Maclean added: "I don't think I am offending any of my constituents as I know for a fact that none of my voters are gay.

"I've got nothing to say to gay rights groups who are complaining about my comments - there shouldn't be any gay rights groups anyway. I'll not stand down."

A spokesman for the National Equality Network said: "Opposition to ceremonies is sending a message out saying 'we don't want people to be happy'. It's a very petty form of opposition."

Robin Scott, 58 and Jean Philippe, 38, are co-owners of the Claremont Bar in East Claremont Street, Edinburgh, and want to open up their pub as one of the first venues in Edinburgh to hold gay ceremonies this December.

Mr Scott said: "The Scottish Executive is in favour of gay ceremonies and so is the Registrar General so I think this councillor is in the minority."

Yesterday at the Conservative party conference, gay Tory front-bencher Alan Duncan attacked Conservative-controlled councils who were trying to block civil partnerships for heterosexuals and homosexuals.