A leading gay rights activist has raised the temperature in Northern Ireland�s row over homosexuality, claiming there is evidence William of Orange had male lovers.

A leading gay rights activist has raised the temperature in Northern Ireland's row over homosexuality, claiming there is evidence William of Orange had male lovers.

Peter Tatchell highlighted the claim as evidence of hypocrisy over homosexuality in Northern Ireland, but he was condemned by unionists for setting out to cause offence.

Mr Tatchell, who lobbies internationally for full rights for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community will tonight deliver the Amnesty International Pride Lecture in Belfast.

His appearance at the city's week-long gay pride festival comes after senior Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) politician Iris Robinson, wife of Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson, branded homosexuality an abomination.

Mr Tatchell said: "It is particularly hypocritical for unionist politicians to play the homophobic card when their hero, William of Orange, had male lovers."

King William, victor of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, was married, but some academics have pointed to his promotion of young men to high office as evidence of bisexuality.

A DUP spokesman dismissed the allegation and accused Mr Tatchell of setting out to antagonise.

Mrs Robinson has repeatedly denied her remarks were homophobic, insisting she had Christian love for gay people and condemned anyone who would attack people for their sexuality.

But Australian-born Mr Tatchell, 56, said: "Iris Robinson's remarks are part of a pattern of homophobia that seems to characterise sections of Northern Irish society.

"She would never get away with making similar remarks about black or Jewish people."

"It is shameful that over 70 nations still outlaw homosexuality," he added.