In announcing his decision to quit the race, Norris stated, "I do not regret supporting and seeking clemency for a friend, but I do regret giving the impression that I did not have sufficient compassion for the victim of Ezra's crime," adding that his "motivation to write the letter was out of love and concern" and fear that Nawi might take his own life.

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After the revelations Norris lost the backing of several legislators. Without the official support of the requisite number to qualify as presidential candidate Norris ruefully bowed out of the race on August 2, 2011.

However, several weeks later polls showed that Norris remained a viable candidate, so he re-launched the presidential campaign. When the votes were counted on October 27, 2011, Norris had finished fourth. He congratulated the Labour Party candidate, Michael Higgins, on his win and pledged his support.

Those countries that allow the immigration of glbtq persons based on persecution in their home countries often raise difficulties or apply the existing laws inequitably, especially in the case of glbtq couples who apply for entry as domestic partners.

Given the dominance of the Roman Catholic church on its culture, Ireland was a country in the closet until relatively recent times.

First used to refer only to anal intercourse, sodomy was progressively defined by the Church Fathers, and many later lawmakers, to include all sexual acts that could not result in procreation.

Sodomy laws, which provided the legal basis for police harassment of sexual minorities, were conclusively overturned by the United States Supreme Court in 2003, after more than half a century of efforts at reform.

The European Commission on Human Rights was the first international human rights organization to condemn homophobia; the European Court of Human Rights, which replaced the Commission, has also helped enforce glbtq rights.

German-born Magnus Hirschfeld deserves recognition as a significant theorist of sexuality and the most prominent advocate of homosexual emancipation of his time.

Pop superstar Elton John's combination of melodic skills, dynamic charisma, and raucous performance style have make him a remarkably popular musical artist.