A gay couple attacked and stoned by a gang of teenage thugs yesterday said: "We forgive them."
Germans Josif Norvat and Ivan Miadina were left shocked and traumatised by the incident in Drogheda earlier this week while they were out walking their dog.
But the couple didn't primarily blame the youngsters for their homophobia and violence. They instead claimed society and adults in their lives are just as responsible.
READ MORE: Gay couple targeted by teens in alleged homophobic attack in Drogheda
Josif said; "Clearly what these kids did was wrong. There is no excuse for violence and attacking us the way they did, and throwing stones at us.
"It was unacceptable and should not happen. There was a degree of posturing and you have to ask who put all these any gay ideas in their heads.
"We are two men in their forties just walking along minding our own business and then we are subjected to their abuse and violence. It wasn't the first time it has happened. The same group had verbally abused us before."
However Josif who has previously worked with young people in many countries across Europe said they are reluctant to make a complaint to Gardai about the youngsters.
He stated; "If we go down that road these boys' lives will be destroyed and they will get a criminal record. We don't necessarily want to do that. We forgive them.
"They are all very young, aged 14 to 16 years. Their views on many things will change four or five times over the next ten years. Somebody somewhere has put these homophobic ideas in their heads. That is where the problem lies.
"Many local politicians and members of LGBTQ community feel we should report them to the Gardai or otherwise we are letting them get away with it.
"We are not going down that road at the moment but we may change their minds, lets see what happens."
Josif who works in IT feels there is a lack of youth activities and programmes for young people in the Drogheda area. He said; "We got married recently and have been living here for over a year. We absolutely love it.
"There is a great community atmosphere in Drogheda and people from various parts of the world and all sorts of religions live here in peace and harmony. It is a place where everyone gets on and you can be who you want to be.
"There are not enough facilities and programmes for young people and both the Government and local politicians need to do something about that.
"These teenagers would not be roaming streets abusing us if they were busy and had things to do."
