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BAI ruling on same sex marriage discussion 'very troubling' printable version
16 Aug 2014 filed by editor - General The Vice Chair of Fine Gael LGBT, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, has expressed 'deep concern' about the implications of this week's Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) ruling, upholding a complaint against a Radio One discussion on same sex marriage.
Ms Kennedy said: "The BAI ruling this week on the Derek Mooney programme is very distressing for LGBT people across the country.
"The question arises; does this mean that from now until the referendum LGBT people cannot express their wish to marry on the public airwaves, without the presenter being obliged to outline an opposing view?
"The BAI upheld a complaint about a discussion on same sex marriage as they considered the conversation of 'current public debate and controversy', and they decided that despite the fact that the campaign for the same sex marriage referendum is not yet underway, balance requirements still apply.
"The programme in question was not a debate, it was a discussion, and I find it very worrying that people cannot speak openly in this way without being censored.
"It seems that following this incident and the events surrounding Panti Bliss earlier this year, LGBT issues cannot be discussed on air without fear of complaints.
"I understand the obligation during a political campaign to ensure fairness and balance, but in this instance the campaign has not yet started and it was simply a case of people expressing their aspirations.
"I sincerely hope that when the campaign does begin, LGBT views can be openly expressed and that the opposing views will be put forward in a balanced way. Broadcasters should not feel that they have to give anti same sex marriage campaigners even more airtime in case they will be hit with a complaint.
"I am clear in my position for the referendum; I will be supporting same sex marriage and I hope that the majority will be doing the same. I understand that some people will feel differently and they do have a right to express those views, but this does not mean that people should be in fear of discussing same sex marriage from now until the campaign starts."
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