Ruane Supports Counselling For Gay Pupils
http://www.4ni.co.uk/northern_ireland_news.asp?id=78842 (http://www.4ni.co.uk/northern_ireland_news.asp?id=78842)
Weeks after controversial comments on 'turning' members of the gay community by DUP MP, Iris Robinson, the NI Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has placed herself firmly on the side of tolerance and acceptance - and indicated she is backing school-based professional counselling services for gay pupils.
She said today that the Government had a responsibility to help build a culture of respect for all sections of society.
The Minister was speaking following a meeting with members of Cara-Friend, the longest running organisation providing services for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.