Stephen Scott was attacked by three youths as he walked home along Ballyduff Road last Wednesday night (June 4).

The 27-year-old was punched and kicked unconscious and had to be treated in hospital for broken ribs, a fractured hand, head injuries and cuts and bruises.

Following the incident Mrs Robinson condemned Mr Scott's attackers on a live radio phone-in, but sparked a massive political row by branding homosexuality "an abomination" and suggesting that gay and lesbian people might be turned to heterosexuality with psychiatric help.

The Strangford MP has been widely criticised for her opinions, with some MLAs even calling into question her position as Chair of the Assembly's Health Committee.

Speaking to the Newtownabbey Times on Tuesday, Mr Scott said that he was "disgusted" by Mrs Robinson's remarks.

"Iris Robinson condemned my attackers which is very kind of her, but at the same time she condemned me for being gay.

"She basically suggested that gay people need psychiatric help, but I'd like her to show me where in the Bible it actually says that because that is wrong."

Mr Scott, who describes himself as "an ex-Christian" and a former member of Whitewell Metropolitan Church, believes that views such as Mrs Robinson's only serve to make life more difficult for gay people, many of whom are already regularly subjected to homophobic abuse.

"I would challenge Iris Robinson to a head to head debate on this, whether on radio or television or wherever. I would challenge her over what she's said. If she'll come face to face with me I'll let her know what it's like having to live in fear every day because of such views and people making such comments."

Following last week's attack and subsequent incidents when he's been subjected to homophobic taunts, Mr Scott has applied for emergency rehousing away from the Ballyduff estate.

Newtownabbey's newly elected DUP Mayor Victor Robinson, Deputy Mayor John Scott and District Policing Partnership Chairman Tom Campbell have all publicly condemned the attack.

"It's terrible, people should be able to get on with their lives no matter who they are or what their background is," alderman Scott said.

PSNI Area Commander Paula Hilman added: "I know that the vast majority of the community in Newtownabbey will join me in condemning this assault. Please assist the police in this matter by giving us any information, no matter how small, in order to solve this crime and bring those responsible before the courts."
The attack on Mr Scott took place shortly after 9pm just yards from the entrance to Ballyduff Quarry. Three male youths aged between 16 and 20 years are thought to have been involved.
Newtownabbey Police have appealed for anyone with information about the attack to contact them on 0845 600 8000.
Hate crimes can also be reported to the local Police Minorities Liaison Officer, Sergeant Roy Watton, by telephoning 9025 9319.
Meanwhile, Mrs Robinson was standing by her remarks this week, claiming that the statement she'd made was "based on Bible teaching that homosexuality is an abomination."
Earlier this week the PSNI confirmed that they are investigating a complaint about the comments made by the First Minister's wife.