I read with interest today a Journal.ie article following the interview of Rory O’Neill with Miriam O’Callaghan on RTE Radio One this morning.
“Asked for his own definition of homophobia, O’Neill drew a distinction between people who hold passive views and people who actively campaign against equal rights for gay people, the latter of which he said was the kind of homophobia that can be publicly criticised.”
That struck a chord with me. Passive views can be teased out and challenged informally. But in my view those that get organised to fight against gay rights should be challenged by direct actions to stop them.
I wouldn’t discount legal redress, but I would prioritise the need to consult with those affected to get their call on what is best done. O’Neill is now seeking an apology from RTE. And rightly so.