(Top) Nora Bennis of Catholic Democrats, RTÉ broadcaster and psychoanalyst Michael Murphy

The Broadcating Authority of Ireland has rejected a complaint made by Nora Bennis on behalf of Catholic Democrats that statements made by RTÉ broadcaster Michael Murphy on RTÉ Radio One’s Mooney Show were “misleading and offensive and were seen as an incitement to hatred towards heterosexuals“.

On ‘The Mooney Show’ of January 20 2014, the complainants claim that Mr Murphy was allowed on the issue of civil partnerships to label a whole group of people who hold opposing views to him and there was nobody on the programme to bring balance to the discussion. Mr Murphy said in relation to the Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexuality:

“…if I could quote the Church – [homosexual people] are intrinsically disordered with a tendency towards evil.”

Mrs Bennis states that Church teaching is clear on the matter:

“homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered [because] they are contrary to the Natural Law”…..”men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies…Must be accepted with respect”.

In reaching its decision to reject the complaint, the Compliance Committee was of the view that Mr Murphy’s interpretation of the teachings was reasonable and did not require a counterbalancing perspective.

Nora Bennis is the general secretary of Catholic Democrats and was listed as a substitute for Theresa Heaney in the Ireland South constituency.

Listen to ‘The Mooney Show’ here.

Download the BAI’s decision here.

Previously: Rightest Of The Right

Avert Your Gays

Good Gurl Theresa

Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

THE RTÉ steering group of senior executives is to meet tomorrow to discuss coverage of the forthcoming referendum on children’s rights, which takes place on November 10th.

The normal approach in referendums is to give equal representation to both sides. However, the low profile of the No side has raised issues as to whether this approach is appropriate on this occasion.

Informed sources said the forthcoming referendum was “fairly unique” and that it was difficult to remember any other poll where there was “virtual unanimity” on one side of the question among elected representatives and lobby groups. The difficulty in allocating coverage arose because “the No side is just so small and so much on the margins of society”.

Meanwhile, on the margins of society…

Nora Bennis of the Alliance of Parents against the State, set up last month to oppose the amendment, said: “RTÉ should give equal time to both the Yes side and the No side.”

“How do they know the No side is so small? I believe the No side will win. I deal with people on the ground and I know what people are saying,” she added.