-Caveat Lector- Bank of Scotland under fire over ties to Pat Robertson Copyright © 1999 Nando Media Copyright © 1999 Associated Press EDINBURGH, Scotland (June 2, 1999 11:55 a.m. EDT http://www.nandotimes.com) - The Bank of Scotland is being pressured to sever a proposed business link with Pat Robertson after the American religious broadcaster referred to Scotland as a "dark land" because it tolerates homosexuals. Some lawmakers told The Scotsman newspaper in Wednesday's editions that they would call for the government to pull its accounts if the Bank of Scotland does not end the affiliation. The bank acknowledged that as many as 500 accounts had been closed by customers since March, apparently because of the publicity over its dealings with Robertson. The bank has been working with Robertson on a deal, reportedly worth $48 million, to launch a telephone and Internet banking arm in the United States. On his "700 Club" television show May 18, the former presidential candidate criticized Scotland for its tolerance of homosexuals, calling it a "a rather dark land." "In Europe, the big word is tolerance," Robertson said. "Homosexuals are riding high in the media. ... And in Scotland, you can't believe how strong the homosexuals are. It's just unbelievable." The bank said Wednesday that it was considering its response to the controversy. Gene Kapp, a spokesman for Robertson, said the broadcasters' comments were taken out of context. "He indicated that Scotland has a great, proud history and like many places in Europe and in the United States, what really needs to happen is a return to the more traditional values, period. It really had nothing to do with the homosexual issue," Kapp said. "This deal is not about Pat Robertson, the religious leader," he said, referring to the Bank of Scotland link. "This is about Pat Robertson, the businessman." Lloyd Quinan, a Scottish National Party lawmaker, said he will speak out in Parliament about the bank's association with Robertson. "I certainly will be questioning whether the account with the bank can be moved," Quinan told The Scotsman. "We do not seek to damage a Scottish institution, but if a Scottish institution damages the country, then questions have to be asked." - DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
