David Norris (Independent)

I join with colleagues in calling for a debate on the tragedy of the sexual abuse of children. It is a great pity that we have never included the abuse of children by violence and we should look at this issue because it has done extraordinary damage to people. It has not happened simply in Roman Catholic schools or been done only by Roman Catholic orders. It was endemic throughout society in the 1950s, which I remember very well, and it should be addressed. I do not have any great hope that this issue will be resolved on a global basis until the dictatorial attitudes of the present governing clique in Rome are overcome, which is a central issue. Until Christian churches begin, for the first time, to tell the truth about human sexuality we will continue to have this kind of evasion and damage to young people. I hope they will.

It is quite extraordinary that the churches, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, sought exemption from legislation regarding equality and the entitlement to fire people from their employment on the grounds simply of their sexuality. That needs to be looked at again and I hope this House will do so. While this is not a happy subject, I hope we might be able to address it in a way that would draw a line under it in order that we can put it to one side and move forward positively.