The First Minister has been accused of going “crazy” as he refused to condemn a new MSP’s remarks while on a school visit in Fife.
On a high-profile visit to the new Carnegie Primary School in Dunfermline on Wednesday, Labour MP Thomas Docherty urged Alex Salmond to break his silence on the “disgusting comments” of Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker, who likened the response of gay rights supporters to Nazi Germany.
Refusing to become embroiled, Mr Salmond was said to have lost his temper and accused Mr Docherty of showing inexperience.
The furore stemmed from Mr Walker’s support of a parliamentary motion by MSP John Mason, which said no person or organisation should be forced to be involved in or approve of same-sex marriages. Mr Walker exacerbated the controversy by voicing the Nazi slur something he later withdrew as “intemperate.”
Mr Docherty said: “Following on from the Brian Souter saga, this is clearly a sensitive issue for the First Minister, but that’s no excuse for behaviour like this in such an aggressive fashion. He went absolutely crazy and refused to apologise.”
The MP asked Mr Salmond if, since he was in Dunfermline, he would break his silence over the issue.
“He said it wasn’t the time or the place, but I said we were in Dunfermline and Bill Walker was in the room with us. I have never quite seen the full force of the legendary Alex Salmond temper until today it is a sight to see, but I am not going to be intimidated in challenging him.”‘Caused offence’Turning to Mr Walker, Mr Docherty said the MSP newly elected in May had still not apologised.
“Bill Walker doesn’t understand he has caused offence not just to thousands of gay men and women in Fife but their families and friends as well.”
Speaking to The Courier, Mr Salmond said: “I think he has only been an MP for a year or so and he’ll learn as time goes on that there is a time and place for everything and you don’t bring politics into a school that’s just daft.
“It did not mar the day or affect it. I think it’s just a reflection on his inexperience.”
A spokesman for Mr Salmond later said: “This issue is far too important for such juvenile behaviour by Mr Docherty. The proper way forward is the one set out by the Scottish Government a consultation on the issues of civil partnership and same sex marriage, which will commence soon.
“That is the way to bring light rather than heat to the debate, and everyone should approach these important discussions on that constructive basis.’Just silly'”The First Minister is already on the record supporting the right to same-sex marriage, and Mr Walker withdrew his intemperate remark at the weekend. Mr Docherty’s stunt was just silly, but thankfully didn’t spoil the opening of this magnificent new school.”
After the visit, Mr Walker said he did not want to comment on the ongoing row but was “very saddened by the way this was developed.”
“I want to get on with my other work and wait until the consultation process,” he added.
Nathan Sparling, National Union of Students Scotland LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) officer, said: “It is inexcusable for the First Minister to have refused to condemn Bill Walker’s statements.
“The SNP should distance themselves from anyone who is trying to deny the LBGT community full equality, never mind comparing them to the Nazis.
“Bill Walker has used his own personal views in these comments and is not fully representing his constituents, and I hope not representing the views of the SNP.”