Source: http://www.greenparty.org.uk/news-archive/2381.html
24 January 2006
The Green Party are shocked and appalled by the recent attack on gay-rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell, in the Asian weekly entertainment newspaper,Desi Xpress. The attack came in the form of an abusive and prejudiced article by Adam Yosef, a leading member of George Galloway's Respect Party, in the January 6th-12th edition of the paper.
Yosef accuses Tatchell of being anti-Muslim and a 'hate-mongerer'. Yosef states that he 'needs a good slap in the face' and also suggests thatTatchell and 'his queer campaign army should pack their bent bags and headback to Australia'.
Keith Taylor, Principal Speaker of the Green Party, states "I am outraged by this totally unjustifiable attack. Peter Tatchell is labelled as a 'hate-filled bigot' and accused of being thehead of a racist organisation. In view of Tatchell's commitment tocampaigning against all forms of prejudice and discrimination, this issimply unfounded slander. In addition to his work for lesbian and gaycommunities, Tatchell has campaigned against racism for 35 years and wasactive in the anti-apartheid movement for 20 years.
"While criticising Tatchell as an ineffectual campaigner againsthomophobia, Yosef's vitriolic attack mainly focuses on Tatchell's sexuality as a causefor contempt. Yosef seems remarkably confused about his arguments and Iwould suggest that this article is highly damaging to its author.
"Hopefully, no one with any sense will take his comments seriously and recognise Peter Tatchell's valuable contributions to the lobby for equal rights."
Source: Green Party UK news
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