Scotland: Pensioner banned for ‘homophobic slur’

A 75-year-old pensioner was banned from his golf club after an ‘off the cuff’ remark, which was interpreted as a homophobic slur by the management at his golf course.

William Webster, of Dundee, said the comment was made during a “happy go lucky” conversation, and the widower added that he fears he will suffer from loneliness if he is not allowed to return to the course.

Webster also claims police visited his home following the incident and said: “I don’t have anything against homosexuals. I didn’t think I was doing anything wrong. It was a private conversation and I wasn’t intending to offend anyone. It was just a flippant remark.”

‘Our staff should not have to face abuse or intimidation’ The conversation took place at Caird Park GC between Webster and a teenage employee. Webster said he asked the girl how she got on with another woman connected to the club, before informing her she was married to another woman. When the teenage employee said she was aware of the situation, Webster replied: “Well I hope there’s no tampering with you.”

Staff at the club took offence to the comments and Webster was banned for 12 months by Leisure and Culture Dundee.

“I am a widower who lives on my own after my wife died,” he added. “The only thing I have in my life is golf. It gives me social contact and the exercise I need to combat my arterial disease and high blood pressure.”

A spokesperson for Leisure and Culture Dundee said: “Our staff should not have to face abuse or intimidation of any kind when they are at work. We do not tolerate this sort of behaviour.”