First of all a big thanks to all those who have commented on a couple of posts I wrote (here and here) about Don Horrocks comments on human sexuality, quoted in the Observer a couple of weeks ago. Today I got a response from Dr Horrocks, which I think it's only fair to quote here,
"Dear Phil,
May thanks for your letter of 29th May concerning the article in the Observer.
I appreciate your constructive comments and agree with them.
I also acknowledge your proper concern about my alleged comments. If I had made them you would be right to be concerned. However, you'll be glad to know that I didn't.
It's yet another case of bad journalism- all too prevalent, especially where evangelicals are concerned, I'm afraid. The Observer has transposed a comment made in one context into another and consequently made me appear to say something that I didn't.
... the suggestion that I or the Alliance would say something along the lines of what was attributed to us by the Observer and which consequently causes offence to people including yourself is frankly preposterous."
An EA spokesperson has also given an official response to PinkNews, not a sight that I frequently visit,
“Don spoke at length to a journalist from the Observer during which he outlined the biblical view of marriage, a lifelong union between a man and a woman of commitment and trust.
“He went onto to stress that over recent years the institution of marriage had been devalued, through numerous pieces of legislation awarding similar rights to civil partnerships, civil unions and cohabitating couples. Undoubtedly, these recent developments have devalued an institution that for centuries has been held in the highest esteem throughout the world.
“Don's controversial remark - which for the record he didn't actually say - has been portrayed in the media as likening same sex 'marriage' to 'marriage' with a horse was intended to show how far we have moved from the original blueprint for marriage. No offence was meant by the remark and we apologise for any it may have caused.”
I don't think either statement is as clear as it could be; and I'm still not sure what Don did or didn't say; but, even though some evangelicals are happy with the quote attributed to Don, I'm glad the EA considers the comparison preposterous.
Hmm it is a bit hard to figure out who said what in what context! Good to have a reply though that makes it slightly clearer! :)
Posted by: Ruthe | June 14, 2006 at 08:59 AM