This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-33799198

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Bus driver disciplined for making homophobic remarks Bus driver disciplined for making homophobic remarks
(about 1 hour later)
A Belfast bus driver has been disciplined after making homophobic remarks over Translink's open radio network during the Gay Pride festival parade last Saturday. A bus driver has been disciplined after making homophobic remarks over an open radio network during Belfast's LGBT Pride festival parade.
The driver used an offensive term for homosexuals while using his radio to talk to the control centre. He said he could not get up Donegall Place because of the crowds. The driver used an offensive term for homosexuals while using his radio to talk to the bus firm's control centre.
The Nolan Show reported when he was challenged, he stood by what he said by repeating the comments again. He said he was unable to drive along one of the city's main streets because of the crowds at Saturday's event.
In a statement, Translink said: "We would like to apologise to our passengers and staff, following an incident on Saturday 1 August where a Metro driver used offensive language over Translink's open radio network. It was reported that when he was challenged, he stood by what he said by repeating the offensive comment.
"We take incidents of this nature very seriously and we expect all our staff to deal with their passengers and colleagues in a friendly, helpful and professional manner at all times. In a statement, bus operator Translink apologised to its passengers and staff for the driver's "offensive language".
'Tolerated' "We take incidents of this nature very seriously and we expect all our staff to deal with their passengers and colleagues in a friendly, helpful and professional manner at all times," Translink said.
"A full investigation has been carried out and appropriate action is being taken.""A full investigation has been carried out and appropriate action is being taken."
A whistleblower wrote to the Nolan Show to highlight what had happened. Tolerated
John O'Doherty from the Rainbow Project said: "I think it's an indication of the everyday homophobia that still exists within our society and which people have to put up with and in many ways is tolerated. A whistleblower wrote to BBC Radio Ulster's The Stephen Nolan Show to highlight what had happened.
"It shouldn't be tolerated in the workplace especially in relation to public employers but the reality is in too many places and too many parts of our society it is still acceptable." John O'Doherty from the Rainbow Project, a gay and lesbian support group, said the incident was an indication of the "everyday homophobia" that "still exists within our society" and which "in many ways is tolerated".
He said it was "hugely disappointing" that such comments had been made on Belfast pride day. "It shouldn't be tolerated in the workplace especially in relation to public employers but the reality is in too many places and too many parts of our society it is still acceptable," Mr O'Doherty said.
"It was such a positive day for our city where tens of thousands of people came out on the street to celebrate an amazing community, an amazing culture and we've seen such positivity and such benefit to the people of this city as well, not least of all financially," he said. He added that it was "hugely disappointing" that the comments had been made on the day of the Pride parade.
"It was such a positive day for our city.
"Tens of thousands of people came out on the street to celebrate an amazing community, an amazing culture and we've seen such positivity and such benefit to the people of this city as well, not least of all financially."