Gays

RUC attack Northern Ireland is a haven for religious and moral fanatics.

The ‘born-again Christians’ who populate the Loyalist parties are not only entrenched against any move towards the unification of this country — they are also utterly opposed to children having a swing in the park on Sundays and to workers having a swim in the council baths or gaing to the cinema. And in most parts of this statelet they have the power to ram such reactionary nonsense down the throats of the whole population.

More importantly, the views of these fanatics also reign supreme on matters of social legislation. This column has already reported on the plight in which [rish women find themselves, On these matters, however, at least some moavementis underway to gain improvements.

But one oppressed section af society in the North remains in total isolation — the estimated 72,000 homosexuals and lesbians, who make up approximately 5 per cent of the North's population, The overwhelming majority of people in both the Loyalist and anti-Unionist communities regard homosexuality as a case for psychiatric and penal treatment, It is regarded not merely as offensive but as a sickness and an unnatural vice, Aversion therapy, self-denial, and even prayer are prescribed; and if that fails, then there is always prison — because, of course, homosexuality is a cnme in the North.

contraception North of Ireland, As a result, the Royal Ulster Constabulary have total freedom to carry outa campaign of harassment against Northern Lrish gays One such campaign is in full swing at the moment. Diaries, letters, address books, gay liberation literature, and correspondence between the Secretary of State and the Northern Lreland Gay Rights Association (NIGRA) over reforms which NIGRA is seeking — all these have been seized by the police. Seven men have been subjected to lengthy interrogation by the RUC: this was conducted ina very hostile fashion, and by all accounts went into the most degrading detail about their sexual behaviour and acquaintances, All seven were also threatened with exposure to family and employers — but as none have made any secret of their homosexuality, these threats a series of raids since 20 January.

The intimidation of gays, and the removal of files and membership lists, is dearly designed to disorganise and stifle the young gay liberation movement in the North; and it has to an extent succeeded, There are few in the Six Counties to whom the gay movement can turn for solidarity and support. That is why revolutionary socialists must be outspoken in defence of the right of gays to define their own sexual orientation and organise in defence of this right.

Socialists and gays in Britain can also help by sending telegrams letters of protest against the RUC"s harassment to Merlyn Rees, and telegrams letters of solidarity to the Northern Ireland Gay Rights Association, c/o Students Union, Queens University, Rel fast BT, FOr i