Cathal Barry
A politician in the Isle of Man has apologised for being “lax” after he was accused of plagiarising large extracts of an article opposing same-sex marriage that appeared in The Irish Catholic newspaper.
Zac Hall, who used the allegedly plagiarised text in a speech against same-sex marriage in the Isle of Man’s House of Keys, insisted it was “made with the best of intent”.
“I was, with the benefit of hindsight, somewhat lax to use the version of speech… Its use was not in any way disrespectful but made with the best of intent and in no way wishing harm or showing ill will towards others. I apologise unreservedly to my constituents if they feel I have fallen short of their expectations,” he said.
The politician was ridiculed online after an internet forum revealed that his words were largely plagiarised and the story was later reported by IOMToday.co.im.
Much of Mr Hall’s speech was found to match word-for-word an article written by theologians Prof. Eamonn Conway and Dr Rik Van Nieuwenhove and solicitor Patrick Treacy in the lead up to the marriage referendum here last year.
Distract
Prof. Conway told The Irish Catholic he was “pleased that the politician has apologised publically” and hoped the incident “would not distract from the important work of protecting marriage and the family”.
Mr Hall was also accused of plagiarising a speech Conservative MP Tim Loughton gave in the House of Commons last October as the British parliament discussed civil partnerships.
However, Mr Hall insisted he “spoke with genuine passion” in the House of Keys, believing the bill on same-sex marriage that was being debated to be “flawed” in areas.
“I was ultimately trying to persuade my colleagues to refer the bill for review to a legislative committee,” he said, noting that there is “no protection in the bill regarding the impact on teachers and teaching in faith schools”.
Mr Hall was unavailable for comment when contacted by The Irish Catholic this week.