MSP upset by threats in gay marriage row

Matt Meade • Published 12 Aug 2011 08:55 103 Comments

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DUNFERMLINE MSP Bill Walker said he has been subjected to online threats in a row over gay marriage.

Mr Walker was left "upset" and "intimidated" at messages he received calling him a bigot after he supported a parliamentary motion stating no-one should be forced to approve of same-sex marriage.

The motion, tabled by John Mason MSP, made headlines after Alyn Smith, the first openly gay SNP Parliamentarian, criticised its supporters as "bigots".

Mr Walker said, "I'm very upset about it. I feel I've been intimidated and almost threatened.

"I have been called a bigot and all sorts of names, saying I live in the dark ages.

"The irony is I got married a few weeks ago. Needless to say it was to a woman!

"There are things called civil partnerships, which I accept, but I'm really concerned about the use of the term 'gay marriage' because to me it's a contradiction in terms and anything that puts homosexual relationships as any way equal to male-female marriages is just not right."

Mr Mason tabled the motion last week ahead of the Scottish Government's public consultation on equal marriage.

The signatories say that the distinction between marriage and civil partnerships should remain.

SNP MP Pete Wishart wrote on Twitter, "John Mason's nasty little anti-gay marriage motion is just wrong."

Mr Walker said, "I supported it because I thought it was a fair motion.

"When you read it word for word it's innocuous. We get dozens of these motions a week and every one goes through 'for' and 'against' pretty routinely.

"The reason it has boiled up into an issue is because (MP) Pete Wishart questioned it, then (MEP) Alyn Smith.

"Interestingly I've not been contacted by any other MSP about this.

"People who have been contacting me from various, I would have to call them gay rights organisations, have sent me emails that have been highly abusive. I regard it as bullying.

"It's like they are trying to stop free speech."

Mr Walker said his membership of the Church of Scotland did not affect his decision about the motion.

"That has nothing to do with it because I regard it as a fundamental moral issue concerned with the definition of what marriage is.

"I don't think people, whether they are registrars or ministers, should be forced into agreeing to do something they don't morally agree with."

A Facebook site was launched by people furious at Mr Mason's motion.

'Oppose John Mason's Homophobic Motion' is reported to make reference to some of the Shettleston MSP's supporters, including Bill Walker, saying,

"Never mind, with the NHS cutbacks, they'll be dead soon."

Green Party leader Patrick Harvie is quoted in a national newspaper saying, "I doubt the good people of Dunfermline knew they were electing a bigot on this scale, and the SNP leadership must be anxious about the damage the likes of Mason and Walker are doing to their reputation."

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CocteauTwin
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Aug 12, 09:33
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"anything that puts homosexual relationships as any way equal to male-female marriages is just not right."

Back of the bus for the gays as they are NOT equal.

If that's not bigoted what is.

Recommend? Yes 96 No 19
dhothersall
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Aug 12, 09:47
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"anything that puts homosexual relationships as any way equal to male-female marriages is just not right"

Wow. All parties have them, but the Nats seem to have a lot of them. Bill Walker you're a homophobe and a bigot and your denials are as empty as your morals.

Recommend? Yes 74 No 22
Anne
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Aug 12, 09:53
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Bill Walker - last week I said on this site you were a 'numpty' - clearly I was being over generous. What an unpleasant bigot you are.

Who are you to say who is equal? I thought that SNP were supporters of equality - clearly not!

Love is love.

Shame on you.

Recommend? Yes 66 No 22
Shah Hoorsure
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Aug 12, 10:03
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Bill Walker

You and your ilk might not like the idea of anything other than "male - female" marriages, however the fact that you've used your new-found political status to air your personal views on the subject is totally unacceptable.

Please don't hide behind the "I was only supporting a parlimentary motion" smokescreen.

Taxi for Walker!!!!!!!!!!

Recommend? Yes 54 No 20
EqualityForAll
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Aug 12, 10:06
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What an embarrassment to the Scottish Parliament, the SNP and the people of Fife.

"The irony is I got married a few weeks ago. Needless to say it was to a woman!"

Where is the irony? Since he's been emailing out dictionary definitions left, right and centre, perhaps he should look that one up!!

"Interestingly I've not been contacted by any other MSP about this."

Firstly, what's interesting about that? Secondly, I know for a fact that it is untrue.

Recommend? Yes 54 No 12
Zoe Smith
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Aug 12, 10:09
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"The irony is I got married a few weeks ago. Needless to say it was to a woman!"

Bill Walker, not only are you a raging bigot and homophobe but you also clearly misunderstand the concept of irony. You are clearly so intellectually challenged I almost feel sorry for you- but not as sorry as I feel for the poor woman you married.

I hope the "gay rights organisations" (as you would have to call them) can show enough tolerance to work with you in some way in order that you don't spend the next 4 and a bit years spreading your poison further.

Recommend? Yes 45 No 15
Vicar of Dibley
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Aug 12, 10:16
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A bigot is a prejudiced person who is intolerant of any opinions differing from their own. You were all just providing your opinion which differs from Bill Walkers'. Was it without prejudice?

Recommend? Yes 28 No 35
dhothersall
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Aug 12, 10:28
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@ Vicar of Dibley

The word bigot is not important. What is important is that Bill Walker has stated that same-sex relationships are of less value than mixed sex ones. Many people disagree and it is absolutely right that they should say so.

Recommend? Yes 46 No 15
Tiberius
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Aug 12, 11:25
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@dhothersall if the word bigot is not important why have all posters above used it? Having a pop at someone who disagrees with their viewpoint is surely the definition of a bigot?. What he says may or may not be right but surely he is entitled to state his views..... Would agree though where is the irony??

Recommend? Yes 17 No 11
Ebb3005
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Aug 12, 11:26
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Oh dear, we better abolish the whole institution of marriage as it only appears to create division within our society.

What I don't understand is what business is it of politicians to try and tell us what relationships we should have and with whom. I would have thought they might have more important issues to deal with,

Recommend? Yes 21 No 8
dhothersall
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Aug 12, 11:30
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@ Tiberius

I don't see anyone saying he isn't entitled to state his views. I see a lot of people saying his views are abhorrent and wrong.

Recommend? Yes 22 No 11
Bailseye
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Aug 12, 11:34
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Its your opinion Bill and no one should change it. You've worked hard to be in the position you hold so don't take abuse for holding you head high!!

Rock on Bill!!!

Recommend? Yes 24 No 27
Tiberius
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Aug 12, 11:38
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@dhothersall

Refer to 'Taxi for Bill Walker' this is clearly an implication that he has to be removed from office as his views are wrong and cant be stated . The above reactions in my opinion would also be classed as bigoted. Attacking the man's personal life and character because he is against your point of view is equally as abhorrent.

Recommend? Yes 21 No 15
Bailseye
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Aug 12, 11:40
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@dhothersall

If his views were wrong this subject wouldn't have cropped up.

AS THIS WOULD BE LEGAL!!

Recommend? Yes 4 No 17
Anne
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Aug 12, 11:42
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Bailseye - think we should always try to change opinion which it is based on prejudice. Who is he to say that some relationships are more equal than others. Shame on him. Love is love.

Recommend? Yes 16 No 11
dhothersall
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Aug 12, 11:52
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@ Tiberius

"Taxi for Walker" is clearly a suggestion that he should leave because his views are wrong, but it is not a suggestion that his views "can't be stated". The only person alleging censorship or that views "can't be stated" on here is you. There are no comments here saying that Bill Walker should not be allowed to express his view. There are many saying that the view he has expressed is wrong.

@Bailseye

Your argument doesn't stand up to the slightest scrutiny. Judging right and wrong by what is currently legal and illegal means that when gay marriage is legalised it will become right and Bill Walker will become wrong.

Recommend? Yes 13 No 6
paraletic
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Aug 12, 12:06
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Come on folks can't you see this "WIMP" is Upset

what a shame give the "man" ????? a hug....

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Tiberius
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Aug 12, 12:17
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@ Paraletic

Better not be a man hug as Bill would not approve.....

Recommend? Yes 14 No 7
Bailseye
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Aug 12, 12:24
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@dhothersall

On this occasion Bill is legally correct and should have no punishment. If your argument is Bill deserves this and for gay marriage to be legal I suggest gathering a petition to force the governments hand or marry abroad like other straight couples choose to do.

Recommend? Yes 8 No 9
Tiberius
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Aug 12, 12:26
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@ dthothersall

My main point is that the self righteous cry of bigot can equally be applied to those above. They are equally entitled to their opinion as Bill is, but defeat their own argument with the personal attacks and unwillingness to accept he is entitled to his views.

At no point have I suggested I either agree or disagree with Bill and have not stated that censorship is required, to suggest this you are either misreading or exaggerating for effect.

Recommend? Yes 18 No 1
Anne
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Aug 12, 12:43
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@ Tiberius - enough with the 'bigot' definations already......Can we move on now?

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Safari Joe
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Aug 12, 12:49
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Anne I believe you are now advocating censorship......lol.

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Anne
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Aug 12, 12:52
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No just getting bored.....

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Mr Right
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Aug 12, 13:01
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Me to Anne, lets get married!!! xxx

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Mr Confused
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Aug 12, 13:04
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Mr Right-I believe the gist of the points above, is that this would only be acceptable if Anne was actually a man or you were a woman. Or have I misunderstood all this......

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Anne
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Aug 12, 13:21
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Mr Right - that's very sweet, but my husband might object. In another life perhaps.xxx

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Mr Right
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Aug 12, 13:25
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So your telling me there's a chance.

68% of the time it works all the time!! : ) much luv

xxx

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Sandy
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Aug 12, 13:34
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It appears dear Bill thinks some Scots are better than others and are we nit all of equal worth? Not good from 'Scotland's Party' but what can we expect from an organisation bank rolled by the keep the clause cheque book.

Recommend? Yes 8 No 9
IDofES
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Aug 12, 13:42
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I am reminded of this quote.

"If you're not religious but you hate gay people, then you're considered a homophobe, but if you are religious and you hate gay people then you're simply expressing your sincere faith and demand not to be condemned for it."

(Ian O'Doherty, Irish Independent)

All to accurate.

Recommend? Yes 8 No 10
livid
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Aug 12, 13:59
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Bill Walker is of a certain generation that shares these opinions, sadly.

These views are no longer shared by most in society, and they certainly do not represent the views of the majority of the SNP. Most of the Party are deeply embarrassed by this rubbish.

Recommend? Yes 11 No 14
angryteen
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Aug 12, 14:00
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"It appears dear Bill thinks some Scots are better than others..."

As a gay student, Could not agree more! If people like Bill Murray want gays to be treated UN-EQUAL to heterosexual individuals then may I suggest Bill sets up "The Bank of Gays", special retail sales only for gays, different wages, different student loan amounts etc.

And as a SNP supporter, I find this quite bad publicity, as a large majority of student voted SNP at the last election - which yes, SOME OF WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN GAY!

Absolutely terrible - Time to come up to the modern era Bill! (Rant over)

Recommend? Yes 8 No 10
Vicar of Dibley
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Aug 12, 14:18
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Was not the motion which triggered all this to defend a person's right to their belief and not be forced into accepting something which goes against this. Isn't this why have a democracy in this country, freedom of thought and speech.

Recommend? Yes 17 No 5
hazEL
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Aug 12, 14:26
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WHO VOTED FOR THIS TWONCK

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dhothersall
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Aug 12, 14:33
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@ Vicar of Dibley

Freedom of thought and speech, absolutely.

Freedom to act, or refuse to act, on the basis of those beliefs? Absolutely not.

We do not accept that the belief "I don't believe black people are equal to white people" is a justification for treating black people differently. Similarly we cannot accept that the belief "I don't believe gay people are equal to straight people" should be a justification for treating gay people differently.

That doesn't change if someone puts "my religion tells me" before either of those statements. And it doesn't change whether we are talking about marriage, or bed and breakfast, or service in a shop.

You can hold whatever beliefs you like, however misguided and however irrational. But you do not have the right to act on those beliefs to the detriment of others.

Recommend? Yes 7 No 11
Anne
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Aug 12, 14:47
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The other problem is this is not an individual, merely exerting his right to free speech. He is a Member of the Scottish Parliament. He purports to represent a party which believes in equality. But he is stating that he believes that some of his constituents are less equal than others and believes that some of his constituents should be treated differently to others.

Recommend? Yes 7 No 13
lynne
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Aug 12, 15:03
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Bill well done you have spoken for a section of society who do not want to see the definition of marriage altered. There will be many speaking from the opposing stance.

People are polarised on this topic, and that's ok. We get to disagree, what is bigooted is saying we can't. freedom of speech of speech should be maintained.

There are two sides to this issue and probably lots of grey in between. Name calling and trying to silence one side or the other because you don't agree is not helpful, or democratic.

Recommend? Yes 29 No 11
Bailseye
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Aug 12, 15:06
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Well said Lynne!

The typing's so nice you've said it twice : )

Recommend? Yes 10 No 1
Vicar of Dibley
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Aug 12, 15:13
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I am trying to highlight the fact that the motion which this discussion is about was to stop people being forced to approve of something. And as you say, "you can hold whatever beliefs you like, however misguided and however irrational." But you do not have the right to force them on others. THAT is what this motion was about. Whether I agree or not with you or Bill Walker regarding same sex marriages is or no consequence here, I do not want to be forced to approve of anything, I will decide if I approve of something or not.

Recommend? Yes 16 No 6
molly
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Aug 12, 15:16
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OOH what a Gay Day isn't it !!!!

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Somearemoreequal
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Aug 12, 15:24
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@Lynne should we applaud people speaking up for racism, sexism, religious bigotry or is it just homomphobia that is acceptable?

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dhothersall
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Aug 12, 15:35
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@ Vicar of Dibley

Ah, but that's not the case. John Mason's motion said that no person should be forced to *be involved in* same-sex marriages. In other words, he wants a registrar to be permitted to refuse to marry two people of the same sex because of the registrar's personal belief.

Would we permit a registrar to refuse to marry a black man and a white woman because she did not approve of mixed-race marriage? No we wouldn't.

Would you support a parliamentary motion which said no-one should be forced to be involved in a mixed-race marriage? I doubt it.

I say again, no-one is asking that people change their beliefs. They are demanding that they do no act, or refuse to act, on the basis of those beliefs to the detriment of others.

Recommend? Yes 9 No 3
SNP-supporter
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Aug 12, 15:55
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Mr Walker - seems to be a rather delicate individual. Seems happy to claim victim status but is more than happy to cast doubt on the value and equality of Gay Men and Lesbian.

A disgrace to the SNP and for the life of me I do not know why the SNP leadership has not distanced itself from Mr Walker as his position is totally at odds with the parties stance on equality - for ALL Scots.

Recommend? Yes 17 No 10
Vicar of Dibley
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Aug 12, 16:04
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Your reference to mixed race marriages is unnecessary. Current legislation means that registrars are not permitted to let their personal beliefs dictate whether or not they will officiate at a legal civil marriage, of whomever, anyway.

Recommend? Yes 7 No 0
dhothersall
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Aug 12, 16:07
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@ Vicar of Dibley

Then why aren't you condemning John Mason's motion rather than defending it?

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Vicar of Dibley
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Aug 12, 16:19
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I am not defending or condemning, I am supporting freedom of choice. The subject matter is not the issue.

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dhothersall
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Aug 12, 16:23
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@ Vicar of Dibley

Confusing. Are you saying that you believe that registrars should be allowed to let their personal beliefs dictate whether or not they officiate at a civil marriage? That the law should eb changed to allow them freedom of choice at the expense of others?

Recommend? Yes 4 No 2
KryptonFactor
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Aug 12, 16:40
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Anyone with the legal power to wed a couple should be given a choice.

Use the power or lose the power. If you're happy to marry (white male) me to my (white, female) partner failure to marry a couple of varied race or same sex should be viewed as a hate crime.

Recommend? Yes 7 No 13
Vicar of Dibley
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Aug 12, 17:11
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Is that how you see this motion, to force registrars to marry same sex couples? I thought it had a broader spectrum than that. But to answer your question, I would say that it probably comes down to their employment contract and whether a registrar is remitted by contract and agrees to perform a function it is then their duty to do so. If they have been employed without that agreement in place, then to be forced to do so is a change to their terms of employment.

Recommend? Yes 9 No 2
Rossco
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Aug 12, 17:41
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Do the SNP not vet their candidates? First John Mason now this clown! How can he claim not to be homophobic when he states that he opposes same sex relationships being seen as equal!

I'm sure the good people of Dunfermline didn't realise that they were supporting a bigot when they voted for him back in May.

Recommend? Yes 13 No 15
dhothersall
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Aug 12, 18:30
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@ Vicar of Dibley

I wasn't asking a contractual question I was asking your opinion. Do you think registrars should have the moral right to deny a service to people on the basis of their sexuality, notwithstanding what their employment contracts may or may not say?

Recommend? Yes 2 No 0
Voter
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Aug 12, 18:33
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@hazEL

You said:

"WHO VOTED FOR THIS TWONCK"

Mr Walker received 11,010 votes. I voted for him as I could not stomach voting for the representatives of other the parties. But now, I am glad that I voted for him as he is clearly a man of principle. I hope that he is not made to change his views by a load of politically correct bullies.

Recommend? Yes 23 No 12
Somearemoreequal
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Aug 12, 18:45
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@voter what's wrong with asking why our MSP thinks it's ok to treat some of his constituents differently to each other? How is that bullying?

Recommend? Yes 8 No 5
Anne
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Aug 12, 18:50
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@voter what about the bullying/harassment/intimidation/violence suffered by gay people at the hands of homophobes. That's real bullying not a few emails from people who are offended by this numpty's stupid, ignorant, seriously out of date views.

Recommend? Yes 9 No 8
Lez Bainn
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Aug 12, 20:22
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Thumbs up from me!!!!!!!

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Vicar of Dibley
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Aug 12, 20:23
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It does not concern me who marries who if they are doing it with good intentions. What does concern me is the slow erosion of individual's beliefs. For me, this debate has now reached a point where it is deviating too far from the matter in hand and into an area of a far more contentious nature. One, which I'm sure, would be enlightening to hold, but is for another day.

Recommend? Yes 11 No 3
The Gambler
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Aug 12, 21:39
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As an ex infantry soldier I'm sure Mr Walker will have plenty good men ,and I mean men sharing the same thought as himself.Thank God the tree huggers are where they are and not on the front line.All the best,Bonnie Scotland Forever.

Recommend? Yes 24 No 7
Sandy
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Aug 12, 22:38
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As one of Jock Tamson's Bairns I'm uneasy Bill thinks I should be less equal than another Scot. Where are his views coming from: is it my colour, my mother tongue, my handedness, my religion or lack of it, is a catholic marrying a kin of the kirk equal, how does he judge me?

Recommend? Yes 7 No 6
flyer
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Aug 12, 22:56
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Rossco wait till you hear about the next numpty to stand for bill walkers councillors position,she go's by the name of Kate Stewart ex Labour Party Member [expelled] then Scottish Socialist Party then Tommy Sheridan's [sex club visitor] Solidarity Party, now she is a SNP party member,Seems to me if your an odd ball the SNP will welcome you with open arms.

Recommend? Yes 11 No 5
KateOHanlanMD
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Aug 13, 00:13
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Walker is ignorant of all the facts about the issues on which he acts like he is an expert.

Sexual orientation is like left-handedness: biological, unchangeable, innocent. We used to think left-handed was evil (Latin for left is “sinister”), force lefties to use their right hand, even though they never really changed handedness. Research reveals variable hormonal levels in pregnancy permanently affect child’s neural circuitry for sexual orientation and gender identity: a little more testosterone in fetal girls’ brains from the adrenals causes

Recommend? Yes 8 No 19
Thinker
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Aug 13, 11:52
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Perhaps the Equality Act could be used to protect people such as marriage registrars who oppose having to officiate a gay marriage on conscience grounds. A type of precedent would be Catholic nurses using the Equality Act to protect their pro-life beliefs:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8698042/Catholic-nurses-use-Equality-Act-to-protect-their-pro-life-beliefs.html

Recommend? Yes 14 No 3
Scientist
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Aug 13, 12:07
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@KateOHanlan MD

You wrote:

" ... Research reveals variable hormonal levels in pregnancy permanently affect child’s neural circuitry for sexual orientation and gender identity: a little more testosterone in fetal girls’ brains from the adrenals causes ... ".

Perhaps the research could be continued and sometime in the future parents could be offered the choice of testing and curing their unborn child of this, increasing the parents chance of becoming grandparents.

Recommend? Yes 4 No 7
Arthur
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Aug 13, 14:03
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Bill Walker has an opinion, and he's fully entitled to it. The bigots are the idiots above who claim he's wrong for what he says or thinks. These are the same people responsible for the state this country is in - the limp wristed liberals who bleat on about human rights at every opportunity. If one doesn't agree with their stupid ideals, then you are branded either a bigot or a racist.

Give me 5 minutes with them.......

Recommend? Yes 40 No 12
Anne
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Aug 13, 16:33
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Arthur yes of course bill is entitled to his opinion. But this is someone who is elected to represent people. How do you think his gay constituents, their family and friends feel about the fact that their MSP thinks they are less equal than other constituents?

In this day and age it's outrageous that discrimination is still regarded as acceptable. How would you feel if bill substituted the word gay for black/female/Jewish/old? Homophobia is just as bad.

Bill represents a party that says it is against inequality. He should be fighting against discrimination and prejudice not re-inforcing it.

Shame on him. His constituents deserve better.

Recommend? Yes 14 No 31
CocteauTwin
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Aug 13, 17:23
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Arthur 14:03

"These are the same people responsible for the state this country is in - the limp wristed liberals who bleat on about human rights at every opportunity"

OK then, let's take some of your rights a way.

Let's see just how much you squeal when it is said that you are NOT EQUAL to others.

Just how much would YOU complain in the same situation.

The KKK had/have an opinion on colored people however in a civilized society they are NOT entitled to it.

The NAZIS had an opinion on Jews, but again, in a civilized society they are NOT entitled to it.

How dare this so called "public representative" to which I pay a handsome amount of taxation tell me that I am NOT equal.

Perhaps, should this MP ever come near my surgery I will not treat him, as I think that due to his idiotic neanderthal thought processes he is NOT equal to the rest of society therefore not entitled to treatment.

Or perhaps you first.

Recommend? Yes 11 No 32
******
Aug 13, 18:45
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Arthur
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Aug 13, 19:01
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Bill is a man of principle. A man who will stand up for what he thinks is right. There are not many politicians who can say that. For that I admire him and he will certainly get my vote. For those who think it's right to threaten him, they are the bigots, as are the majority of posters above with their 'I know best attitude'.

You people really need to take a long hard look at yourself, and take some responsibility for the mess this country is in. You and you're 'human rights' can take a running jump as far as I'm concerned. Because of people like you I now live in a country where the rights of a criminal are put before those of the victim. For that I am truly disgusted.

Recommend? Yes 27 No 11
ordinarycitizen
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Aug 13, 20:12
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I'm not quite the age of Bill, but I was raised in a time in the UK where Christianity was the norm, like it or not, and, as is in most religious beliefs, morals and values were taught as the basis of how one leads one's life.

Now, just as a minority group here are screaming for justice, so are another. Because like it or not people raised and following certain values are being asked, even forced to alter theirs. There are laws in place for various groups which exist in this country which goes against, what I consider my cultural upbringing.

I sometimes feel that my culture and my beliefs are being eroded infront of my eyes. Why can't I call Christmas trees just that, not holiday trees, why do my children no longer have Easter holiday from school, just a spring break, why can they not make father's day cards because it might offend. It offends me that they cannot. I sometimes feel like the outsider in my own country. Maybe I am, and I'm a dying breed.

Religion cannot be ignored because it forms the basis of so many cultures worldwide. But I don't live elsewhere, I live here. I know, and I accept this is not everyone's view. I make no apologies for mine.

Recommend? Yes 25 No 12
Nige
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Aug 13, 21:56
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We Hate this man.

May he loose everything he has !

Recommend? Yes 10 No 15
Gertie
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Aug 13, 21:58
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Ordinary citizen it is u who is forcing ur view by saying not everyone in this country should be treated equally.

Unless someone was to forceably marry u off to someone of the same sex I fail to see how you are being forced into. And as forced marriage is illegal I fail to see how that can happen.

The fundamental point is should all human beings be treated equally?

Recommend? Yes 6 No 7
ordinarycitizen
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Aug 13, 22:55
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I have not forced my view on anyone, I have simply expressed it. I think you have misunderstood what I have written, as I have not mentioned forced marriage.

Recommend? Yes 9 No 6
Beckie Dougal
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Aug 13, 23:39
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I dont know why anyone would want to get married my mum n stepdad just done it and they cant stand each other half the time! Also it is true people are getting gay younger one of my friends at school told everyone she was gay at 14. Theres a boy at my school who wants to do stuff with my pony an says he has always felt like that since he was born but he's really weird - equal rights for all ;)

Recommend? Yes 3 No 2
Anne
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Aug 14, 15:36
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I see our MSP is now in the Herald comparing gay rights campaigners to NAZIS. Does he not know that the NAZIs tortured and murdered homosexuals in concentration camps?

Shame on him.

Recommend? Yes 11 No 10
Anne
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Aug 14, 16:56
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@Arthur you seem to be the only one here that is making threats

Recommend? Yes 5 No 8
Not Gay and Proud
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Aug 14, 18:29
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@ Anne, I think if you actually bothered to read the above story then you would have noted that Bill was the one subjected to the threats. Go back to munching those carpets hen.......

Recommend? Yes 11 No 8
Anne
Unregistered User
Aug 14, 19:10
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In bill's own words he said that all that was said to him is that he should be ashamed. @Arthur has said things like 'give me five minutes with them.....'

Recommend? Yes 3 No 7
Gertie
Unregistered User
Aug 14, 21:20
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@not gay and proud. If you are the best that bill has got to defend him - he is in more trouble than I thought.

Recommend? Yes 5 No 8
mikeintheknow
98 posts
Aug 14, 21:38
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Was his man REALLY the best the SNP had to offer?

Recommend? Yes 6 No 9
NotHappyJan
192 posts
Aug 15, 02:26
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Same sex marriage is a disgrace to the institution of Marriage. Mariage is a union between male and female. Nothing more, nothing less. We cannot allow the minority homosexual transgender bisexual not quite right group to hijack a hetrosexual right.

If they want to join together have a civil partnership or something similar. Under no circumstances should it be call a marriage, because a marriage it will never be!

Recommend? Yes 22 No 12
dhothersall
Unregistered User
Aug 15, 11:46
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@ NotHappyJan

In what way would same sex marriage have any impact on the existing rights of mixed sex couples to marry?

And who are you to define someone else as "not quite right"?

The definition of marriage has changed radically over the years, from the rights of different races to marry, to the age at which one can give consent to marry, to the treatment of a woman as an equal partner rather than chattel. It is ludicrous to assert that the present definition of marriage is set in stone. It quite clearly hasn't been.

Recommend? Yes 4 No 10
NotHappyJan
192 posts
Aug 15, 23:14
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dhothersall !

I beg to differ, Marriage has been around for centuries and it is a hetrosexual ritual that should be kept strictly for a man and a woman. As I have said previously if deviants wish to perform some sort of ritual to indicate they are in partnership, I have no objection. But do not call it marriage and do not hijack the traditional marriage cermony. Marigae is for hetrosexuals, partnerships are for everything else.

I am Not Happy Jan and it is my right to define someone else as "not quite right" if that is what I think, just as it is your right to call me anything you like (which is like water off a duck's back because there is nothingh you could possibly say that would upset me one iota!)

Have a great day xxx

Recommend? Yes 12 No 5
dhothersall
Unregistered User
Aug 16, 00:13
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@ NotHappyJan

You didn't answer my question. In what way would same sex marriage have any impact on the existing rights of mixed sex couples to marry?

And you also ignored my point that the definition of marriage has been changed radically over the years, so this isn't as major a shift as you seem to think it.

You may note that I haven't called you any names. That's because I'm a better person than you.

Recommend? Yes 4 No 10
NotHappyJan
192 posts
Aug 16, 07:43
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It would not have any impact on the existing rights of hetrosexual marriage, however marriage is about a man and a woman exchanging vows, NOT a same sex couple and I believe the institution that is marriage should not be fouled by a deviant union being called a marriage.

The definition of marriage "may" have changed over the years, but only by those deviating from the norm, so in my view it is a major shift.

On you third point, here have a chocolate watch and well done!

Have a great day. xxxx

Recommend? Yes 13 No 6
molly
Unregistered User
Aug 16, 08:18
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There not the full shilling those type of people.

put them all on a Island on there own and they would soon disappear forever !!!

weirdoos !!

Recommend? Yes 22 No 2
B2the B
Unregistered User
Aug 16, 09:19
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It's his opinion, and he's entitled to it.

Why does it automatically make him a bigot if he disagrees with you ?

I wish more politicians would come out and actually say what they think personally, rather than toeing the party line, but if they do, they're leapt on by all the morally righteous.

We're all different folks, we all have different opinions, and should be allowed to express them as we wish.

If you disagree with him, then don't automatically launch into a tirade of abuse, have a sensible, reasoned argument, like mature adults, not simple name calling like pprimary school children.

Recommend? Yes 25 No 8
Sianslady
Unregistered User
Aug 16, 15:49
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Poor Bill!

Upset by a few emails!!

Perhaps the real "irony" is that his comments about marriage upset these people in the first place!!

If you make a comment that angers people, no matter who they are then you really should be tough enough to accept the consequences of some angry comments back at you!

Sorry Bill, you need to man up!!!

Recommend? Yes 11 No 5
sweetpea
Unregistered User
Aug 16, 15:59
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Going into any form of politics , you are going to face criticism and angry people- was Bill not aware of that?

The comments he has made have no place in 2011, Politicians need to move with the times and its clear that he is either unwilling or unable to do this and this has to be taken into consideration when it comes time to vote again.

Recommend? Yes 10 No 7
equality
Unregistered User
Aug 16, 18:06
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Some people have large feet some have small so large feet buys large shoes small feet buys small shoes to fit because they are different but do not look for the others shoes .

hetrosexual people marry being of opposite sex, same sex couple have civil partnership because both groups are different so what is the problem.

Well done Bill for voicing your concerns the minorty will always be the loudest shouters but it doesn't make them right or wrong.

It would seem that there is no reason to change to law as it stands.

Recommend? Yes 6 No 10
B Bardot
Unregistered User
Aug 16, 18:21
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How profound, Vive la difference.

Recommend? Yes 1 No 1
Gertie
Unregistered User
Aug 16, 18:57
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@equality I take it your name is ironic

Recommend? Yes 5 No 1
allhuman
Unregistered User
Aug 16, 23:28
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Have people ever heard of don't judge a book by its cover?

Yes we have many people in our society who are gay and many people who are straight, we manage to do our shopping in the same supermarket, even buy the same brand of loo roll so why is there such an issue when it comes to sharing the opportunity to be bound in a marriage with someone you love?

Yes people may have views that it is wrong at the moment but these views can change all you need to do is look at equality battles from the past to find a huge amount of examples and see how people thought of these issues then and what they think of them now.

Bill Walker may have this view which yes is a personal view which he is very much entitled to however when it comes to representing his constituents he needs to take a step back and look at the bigger picture and the bigger picture is change. Its a topic that we as a species struggle with as we are all creatures of habit, whither it be in the way we do things or how we view others.

Equality is a great thing that constantly evolves as we all learn to get on with one another and personally i believe that sharing should be part of that whither that be sharing the same supermarket, swimming pool, seasonal Holiday or marriage ceremony we should really just learn to share what we have and if you are to sit down and really think fresh about a same sex couple taking part in a marriage ceremony which is a personal thing for the two involved to enjoy and remember what is really wrong with allowing two people to be genuinely happy and take part in a ceremony which they would like to in a way to share with others close to them?

Recommend? Yes 7 No 10
flyer
Unregistered User
Aug 17, 07:00
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We all know that bill walker was only Choosen because

They SNP thought they had no chance of winning.

Recommend? Yes 3 No 5
Bob the Builder
Unregistered User
Aug 17, 15:38
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Not happy jan.I resent your comments about gay people,we have same rights as you,so there

Recommend? Yes 2 No 13
Andrew John Younger
Unregistered User
Aug 17, 21:00
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What is all this about, far I'm aware the law that the state vetos homosexual marriage is by default be removed from Equality Act 2010. Does leave the issue that a religion may refuse and that could be a immovable right again cite Equality Act 2010. Folk read before charging in. Politicians as usual wasting our money, gaining press time.

Recommend? Yes 1 No 3
Andrew John Younger
Unregistered User
Aug 17, 21:20
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CocteauTwin

"Unregistered User

Aug 13, 17:23

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Arthur 14:03

The NAZIS had an opinion on Jews, but again, in a civilized society they are NOT entitled to it."

Someone skipped the history lesson: disabled, jews, gypsies, homosexuals, "life unworthy of living" and all from paperwork of psychiatry got killed.

Many might think supporting psychs of many view homosexuality as a disease, psychs connection to killing homosexuals and Nazism - when a community never protest, is that to say they support Nazism? Think.

When your locked up in psych ward, given no choice except consume theory based "no method of action" drugs of known pass life, Nazism is on all orientations. I keep silent? Psychiatric Abuse Scotland. Facebook. Never support Nazism nor fascism.

Recommend? Yes 1 No 3
midge
Unregistered User
Aug 17, 23:57
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gosh long time since i have seen such a strong reaction but would it not be better to allow schools to teach what they were trained for the 3 rs and if they have done there jobs properly the kids will form their own opinion which way they want to swing with out shoving sex and which kind of partners are available if the parents cant talk about they see it daily on TV ps wonder why nature didnt supply us with both sets of organs

Recommend? Yes 10 No 3
hellokitty
Unregistered User
Aug 18, 20:07
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I say well done to Mr Walker for voicing his opinion. Are people not allowed to have an opinion now?? Surely we have "marriages" for heterosexual couples and "civil partnerships" for homosexual couples, what is the problem with this? Why don't we put the issue to a public vote?

Recommend? Yes 10 No 5
******
Aug 19, 11:11
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hotrod
Unregistered User
Aug 19, 15:05
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hellokitty ....Why don't we put the issue to a public vote?

Try reading the article feedback.

I think it says it all there for you to see......

Recommend? Yes 2 No 3
batman
Unregistered User
Aug 19, 16:02
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And that is what hotrod? That people have views either way?

Recommend? Yes 3 No 0
******
Aug 20, 12:40
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hellokitty
Unregistered User
Aug 21, 10:48
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Hotrod ?? So people are allowed an opinion as long as it is the same as yours.....surely this is the exact issue we are discusssing???? Did you seriously look at all these comments and come to the conclusion that everyone is in agreement??, clearly there are opposing views on this issue. I for one agree with Mr Walker, however I appreciate that there are opposing views. It is important to take other people's views into account. What a society we have become when someone cannot express their opinion as they will be called a bigot by people who have a different opinion....makes me embarrassed to be Scottish....

Recommend? Yes 8 No 0
hellokitty
Unregistered User
Aug 21, 11:33
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And before anyone comments, I am a married, heterosexual woman, I wish marriage to remain to be promoted as an ideal for men and women to come together to produce children. My reasoning for this is that we should encourage families in our country, it is no coincidence that the poorest in this country are woman and children with no father present. I have no objections to homosexual people forming a union, I feel it should remain a "civil partnership". I have no objection to homosexual couples bringing up children, that is not my point. I just feel we should encourage and promote marriage amongst heterosexual couples, so that they join together and start a stable family. I also have no objection to encouraging homosexual people who are couples to form a "civil partnership" if they so desire. Just an opinion, does this make me a bigot????

Recommend? Yes 11 No 3
henri
Unregistered User
Aug 21, 12:03
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I do not agree with Bill Walkers politics but I'm 100% behind him for standing up for what he believes. I wish all politicians would stand up and be counted instead of trying to appease everyone and not offend anyone in order to get more votes. At least you will know who you are voting for. If you don't like someone don't vote for them - its called democracy. If you really feel strongly about it the stand for election yourself and see if the majority agree with you.

Recommend? Yes 9 No 1
******
Aug 21, 12:17
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******
Aug 21, 12:51
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******
Aug 22, 14:06
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mpr1978
2 posts
Oct 12, 00:22
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I am Equal!! Discussion over. We are ALL equal and we should all have the same options to marry whoever we choose. Bigots die, but equality will prevail.

Recommend? Yes 1 No 0
scotslad
2 posts
Oct 20, 15:20
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Mr Walker what is your view on domestic violence in a hetrosexual relationship.Also what are your views on domestic violence in a gay relationship.

Do they differ from the SNP party line?

Recommend? Yes 6 No 0
******
Oct 28, 10:55
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INTIMIDATED
1 post
Mar 14, 01:02
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"Mr" Walker's opinion on domestic violence in any relationship are seriously compromised by his behaviour regarding domestic violence.

Recommend? Yes 1 No 0

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