Fury erupts as Derek Mooney is criticised for promoting gay marriage on his radio show

Fury has erupted about Derek Mooney was criticized for having a discussion about same-sex marriage on his radio show.

A listener complained after a segment on Mooney where the RTE star was having a chat with two members of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network.

During the discussion the 47-year-old – who came out as gay two years ago – said: “I hope you do get gay marriage… I hope it does come in.”

However, the Family and Media Association’s Donal O’Sullivan-Latchford insisted he should have had an opposing view given the upcoming gay marriage referendum.

Pals: Derek with Ireland’s most famous gay couple – Alan Hughes and Karl Broderick | VIPIRELAND.COM

Now the Broadcasting Association of Ireland have upheld his complaint.

They said: “It was the view of the Committee that the requirements in respect of fairness, objectivity and impartiality in news and current affairs had not been met.”

They added: “It was the view of the Committee that in the absence of alternative views on this topic, a matter of current public debate and controversy, the role of the presenter was to provide alternative perspectives to those of his guests and that this requirement was not met on this occasion.”

Co-presenter: Derek and Brenda Donoghue | VIPIRELAND.COM

Now the Chairman for GLEN, the Gay and Lesbian Network, has hit back at the complaint.

“Today’s ruling by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland raises worrying concerns about the nature of debate and discussion on issues of current affairs across the airwaves in Ireland.”

“The ruling has implications for all issues that are topics under public discussion, not just lesbian and gay issues” he said.

Complaint: Derek has come under fire | VIPIRELAND.COM

RTE had insisted that the discussion was valid: “Derek Mooney regularly expresses his opinion that people should have the right to believe and to practice whatever they like.”

“As long as it does not hurt or interfere with other people’s rights.”

The Montrose presenter came out in 2012, but insisted “it was no big deal” being gay.

He added: “I’m a guy who presents a radio show and that’s it. I feel I shouldn’t have to talk about my private life, It should be about what I’m doing for a living.”