gair rhydd - Issue 735

Jacko: The debate goes on Features provide an insight on the ‘King’ of pop Printed at Westcountry Design and Print

Monday 17th February / Free Word 735

Inside GRiP: The ‘Spree bring their masses to the union

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“It’s fortnightly, you fools”

Christian Union may face ‘exile’ Mark Cobley reports THE CHRISTIAN Union society has been plunged headlong into a storm of controversy after homophobic and sexist comments were allegedly made at a public meeting. The event - entitled “Sexuality?” - took place in the Humanities building last Wednesday lunchtime. Anger has focused upon comments made by the speaker Roger Carswell, who described homosexuality as “morally wrong” and “a sin”. According to reports from students present, he also made other comments that could be construed as sexist, including “a woman’s role is to be a carer, a nurturer. “Eve was created for Adam to look after her man.” Union Women’s Officer Mel Whitter attended the meeting. “I felt these comments were a clear breach of equal opportunities policy” she said. CU student leaders have strenuously denied any wrongdoing but union insiders are now talking about the possibility of a ban. Societies and Union Secretary Laura Welsh, was clear about the possible consequences for the society. “Cardiff Students’ Union has an equal opportunities policy under ordinance four of the union constitution. “We would take a breach of this policy very seriously. If any society is found to be contravening Ordinance Four they can lose their society status.

discussed the matter with Laura Welsh. “If the Christian Union feel that the equal opportunities policy does not apply to them, they should reconsider their affiliation to Cardiff Union. “Any student is free to hold any views they wish on whatever issue, but opinions like this cannot be expressed in the name of Cardiff Union. “It’s an issue of respecting one another as equals.” The leaders of other religious societies at the union were also anxious to stress they did not hold these views. Mital Patel, President of the Hindu society echoed these sentiments. “Our society is open to all. “There is a s i m i l a r debate in Hinduism about eating meat but we don’t take a position on CAZ NOYES, UNION PRESIDENT this and we accept both “The Christian Union in no opinions in our society. “We’d have a similar opinion way holds homophobic beliefs on the homosexual debate. We and welcomes everyone.” Peter also denied allegations keep an open mind.” Lisa Kallow, President of the of sexism, saying that the talk celebrated the differences Navigators Christian society explained their position. between men and women. “We’re going to have a “At no point did anyone say they were unequal,” Peter said. discussion on sexuality in a This is the second time this couple of weeks, but we don’t year that the issue of hold an opinion on it as a homophobia has arisen on society. “We don’t have anything campus. In November it was alleged against LGB people.” The issue of homosexuality that religious groups were going around halls of residence remains controversial for some making anti-LGB comments religions. On Sunday a local Christian and distributing literature. Union President Caz Noyes organisation known as ‘Pub was greatly concerned at these Church’ held a discussion between a homosexual latest allegations. “I heard rumours about this christian and more traditionalist issue last November and views in Bar Oz . “This would lead to loss of union funds and access to union facilities, and would mean they would no longer have use of the union’s name.” Christian Union student leaders have reacted with shock and dismay to the accusations. CU President Peter Foster was anxious to stress that the society is not homophobic. “As Christians we believe that sex outside marriage (a legal commitment between a man and a woman), whether homosexual or heterosexual, is wrong. “But we also believe that God loves everyone although we have all done things wrong and offers forgiveness to all.

“If the CU feel that equal opps policy does not apply to them they should reconsider their affiliation to Cardiff Union.”

UNION EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY “Cardiff University Students’ Union is committed to equal opportunities.” “The Union will not tolerate any unfair discrimination of any kind, which may be displayed as hostile remarks, innuendo, written abuse, physical assault intimidation or threatening gestures.” “The Union, its members and employees shall act without prejudice based on gender, racial origin, sexual orientation, religious belief, age, culture or language.”

Meet the Uni-cycler! Peter Bramwell reports AFTER MONTHS of painstaking surveillance, gair rhydd can reveal the identity of the phantom unicyclist flitting through the streets of Cathays. Often nothing more than a blur around Park Place, 1st Year Mechanical Engineering student Patrick Moody says that unicycling is his main form of transport. Patrick, originally from Essex but now living in halls of residence at Senghennydd Court, told gair rhydd, “Its just a bit of fun really. “I was on a school trip to New York a few years ago and I saw someone riding a UniCycle in Central Park. “It looked pretty cool, and about a year later I bought one off the Internet for £80 from www.unicycle.com.” “It’s quite efficient compared to walking and it takes very little effort.” After riding for over two years he has had few problems

and no crashes as of yet. “Apart from the occasional joker who shouts ‘you’ve lost your front wheel mate’ most people have give really good responses and show a real interest. “It’s actually quite safe. It only took me about two weeks before I could ride it freely and two months before I could steer. I can dodge between pedestrians on the pavements quite easily!” After encouraging a friend to learn with him, they both started mountain unicycling. A more extreme version of the sport, this includes trials, downhill and also doing tricks. Patrick continued, “I still

haven’t seen anyone else unicycling! “I suppose it is quite unique. I am considering the possibility of starting a club next academic year, so if anyone is interested then email me at MoodyP@Cardiff.ac.uk. “I’m quite happy to let people have a go and try to help them learn.” But students may want to bear in mind Patrick’s hobby has already got him in trouble. He was apprehended whilst joy-riding along the pavement outside Barclays Bank after nearly knocking down a number of old age pensioners. He is reported as responding “I am the king of the road!”

GR SPORT SPEAK EXCLUSIVELY TO MARK HUGHES, PAGE 28 News p 1–6 ● Letters p 13 ● Features p 15 Blagging p 12 ● Sport p 24 ● GRiP p 15 ● TV listings, GRiP p 13