Conservatives reject Labour homophobia claims

Published: Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:25:01

The Conservative party has rejected claims by two Labour MPs that many of its MPs were homophobic. Last week, David Cameron apologised for the party's support of Section 28 which banned the promotion of homosexuality by schools. However, Harriet Harman, leader of the House of Commons, and foreign office minister Chris Bryant said voters shouldn't trust the Conservative party to protect the rights of gay people.

In response, Tory MP Alan Duncan said Ms Harman and Mr Bryant said the Labour party was "stirring up hatred and division", adding that he believed there were many Labour MPs who were antagonistic to gay members of their party. He said: "I have publicly paid tribute to Tony Blair for his achievements, particularly on introducing civil partnerships. David Cameron this week said that on Section 28 we had to admit we got it wrong.

"The party has changed. I bet in Labour backwaters there are plenty of people who don’t like the fact that Ben Bradshaw is gay."

Previously, Ms Harman said the apology from the Tory party was 25 years too late, adding that they were opposed to the Equalities Bill currently being discussing in parliament. This week, the prime minister praised the contribution made by gay activists to securing their rights. Pride London, a series of gay pride marches, are set to take place in London today.

Add our news to your site

Be the first to comment

Add your comments

	Name:
	Email: Your email address will not be published
	Town & Country:
	Your comments:
	Please enter the characters displayed on the image

Other News

	Conservatives 'planning to scrap BBC Trust' The Conservatives are reportedly planning on scrapping the BBC Trust if they win the coming general election.
	Film tackling homophobia sent to all schools Every single secondary school in Britain from next month is to be sent an educational film aiming to tackle homophobic bullying, it has been revealed.
	Brown to rally Labour ahead of election Gordon Brown will appear before the parliamentary Labour party later and urge MPs to stick with him in the build-up to the general election.

Articles by month