THEGAYUK

Category: Front Page

  • Austin Armacost’s “tip” causes a stir on Instagram

    Austin Armacost’s latest photo got fans confused – thinking that he had revealed a bit too much!

    Celebrity Big Brother star Austin Armacost is never afraid to shed a few clothes for his fans but this latest picture has got viewers doing a double take as he shows off a new range of undies, called Surge. The latest picture, posted to Instagram, Austin is showcasing a pair of grey briefs, however, it looks as though he’s accidentally shared a bit too much, with a tattoo looking like the tip of his penis poking out the side of his undies.

    It is, in fact, a tattoo, but it’s pink and looks, at first glance, like the head of a penis!

    Fans were quick to respond to the picture with many having to take a second and closer look at the photo the reality TV star had uploaded,

    One user pointed out “Your tattoo looks like your tip is peaking out” another fan added, “At a quick glance, it looks like your tip is showing”.

    Others were more amused by Austin’s “hangage” with one pointing out that it must have been warm in the studio because there’s a lot of “hangage”.

    Woof.

     

  • Switzerland votes to make homophobia a crime with some serious jail time

    Switzerland votes to make homophobia a crime with some serious jail time

    Lawmakers in Switzerland have voted to make transphobia and homophobia an offence which could land the perp 3 years in jail.

    fxxu / Pixabay

    Switzerland is taking a tough stance on homophobia and transphobia after voting to make the crime’s punishment attract up to three years in jail. It means that the punishment for homophobia is now in line with that of racism in the country.

    However, the bill still needs to be passed by the Council Of States before it becomes official law.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Mathias Reynard put the law forward and posted on Twitter “A magnificent success for human rights! Final response in December to the Council of States. # LGBT ?️???.”

    “Powerful Message”

    Speaking to Shortlist Mathias said, “The Swiss Parliament’s decision is great news because it sends the powerful message that homophobia is not an opinion; as for racism, it’s a violation of the law.

    “I tabled the motion after speaking to friends of mine who have personally been victims of verbal and physical homophobic violence.

    “And working on this law I found out that the Swiss case-law doesn’t punish either hate speech or incitement to hatred towards LGBT+ people. During the last few years, this loophole in the law has been pointed out several times at an international level.”

    Switzerland falls short on LGBT+ Rights

    However it’s interesting to note that gay marriage is still illegal in the country and full child adoption by gay couples is also banned.

  • Cops investigating homophobic incident in Staffordshire

    Cops investigating homophobic incident in Staffordshire

    Police in Staffordshire are investigating after cars and buildings were vandalised with homophobic graffiti.

    geralt / Pixabay

    Staffordshire cops were appealing for witnesses after disturbing anti-gay and homophobic grafitti was sprayed on over two dozen vehicles and buldings.

    The graffiti was found in Chadsmoor, near Cannock. It is believed the grafitti was done on the night of the 23rd December 2018.

    According to reports 26 cars and vans were targetted as well as numerous buildings and garages,including Curlew Hill, Kelvin Drive and Huntingdon Terrace.

    A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said, “Officers are investigating homophobic graffiti found on cars and buildings in Chadsmoor overnight.

    “In total 26 cars and vans were spray painted, as well as walls and garage doors, in various streets including Curlew Hill, Kelvin Drive and Huntington Terrace.

    “Increased patrols will be in the area this evening. We take this type of graffiti seriously and witnesses, or anyone with information, are asked to call 101 quoting incident 129 of December 23.

    Taking to Twitter the police released a picture of someone they’d wanted to speak to in connection with the grafitti and confirmed on Christmas eve, that an arrest had been made, they wrote, “We have arrested a 41-year-old man of no fixed address on suspicion of criminal damage in relation to the graffiti of multiple vehicles in Chadsmoor on Saturday night. The man is now being questioned in custody.

  • The mother of Martyn Hett is calling for the government to make bag searches mandatory

    The mother of Martyn Hett is calling for the government to make bag searches mandatory

    Bag searches and metal detectors should be mandatory at big venues across the country.

    The mother of Martyn Hett, who was tragically killed in a terrorist attack in Manchester is calling on the government to enact a law that would make bag searches and metal detectors mandatory at the enterances of concert halls, arenas and stadiums across the country.

    Figen Murray who is Martyn’s mother says that she recently went to a concert and was shocked to find that nobody checked her tickets or bags. She writes, “Some places do checks, some have metal detectors, some open doors at the interval for smokers, but then anyone can walk in from the street.”

    Ms Murray has started an online petition calling for metal detectors, bag searches and obligatory safety measures for big public venues. A move which she says should be standardised. She is hoping the law would be called “Martyn’s Law”.

    Martyn Hett was one of 22 people killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the Manchester Arena in 2017. Martyn was leaving the venue as the killer was entering the building.

    The petition will run until June 2019.

  • This is how to find out if your passwords have been hacked

    This is how to find out if your passwords have been hacked

    It’s always good to check and see if your email address has been hacked.

    fancycrave1 / Pixabay

    If you’ve received a sextortion email, that’s where an extortionist claims to have damning or embarrassing footage of you, and will only delete it once you hand over bitcoin or other digital currency to an untraceable account, you might want to see if your email or your passwords have been hacked.

    It can be quite concerning if you receive a threatening email from an unknown source who claims to have your details and potentially compromising footage of you.

    There are a couple of things you should do, first, it might be a good idea to install anti-virus software on your computer. Then you should check to see if any of your email addresses have been compromised. There have been some massive data leaks in recent years, from companies you might not even realise had your data.

    For instance Apollo, a sales engagement startup had an enormous data breach in July 2018 where 125 million email and other sensitive data was leaked. Dropbox had a breach in mid-2012 where tens of millions of accounts were leaked. LinkedIn had one in May 2016, Tumblr had one in 2013  and MySpace had one in 2008.

    To find out if you’ve been hacked or had your data harvested you should try out Have I Been Pwned. Pwned is another word that means Owned.

    It’s a website that keeps track of data breaches and has a database of every email that’s ever been leaked. It also has a handy “Notify Me” feature which will let you know if your data is ever hacked in the future – and it’s free.

    Whatever you do, you shouldn’t send money to anyone who claims to have damning footage. It is most likely a spam message and the person really doesn’t have footage of you.

    If you are really concerned you should reach out to the police and report it.

     

     

     

  • Andy Cohen reveals he’s having a baby with a surrogate

    The US talk show host Andy Cohen has revealed that he’s going to be having a baby with a surrogate mother.

    In his latest show, Andy Cohen revealed some very personal, but exciting news that he’s going to be having a baby. He said, “I’ve always tried to be as transparent as possible about my life,

    “I over share and I expect everyone around me to do the same and tonight I want you to be the first to know that after many years of careful deliberation, fair amount of prayers and the benefit of science, if all goes according to plan, in about six weeks time, I’m going to become a father thanks to a wonderful surrogate who is carrying my future.”

    The talk show host didn’t reveal any information about the child’s due date, gender or anything about the child’s surrogate mother.

    Embed from Getty Images

    He continued

    “Family means everything to me and having one of my own is something I’ve wanted in my heart for my entire life and while it has taken me longer than most to get there, I cannot wait for what I envision will be my most rewarding chapter yet,’ he said.

    “To the viewers at home, I call you my friends at home because we are friends. You have supported me through almost 10 years night after night,’ he said.

    “This has been an incredible, joyous journey with you all. I am grateful to live my dream every day and grateful to you for coming along for the ride. I don’t take any of it for granted.”

  • From next year the UK Government wants you on a database if you’re watching porn

    From next year the UK Government wants you on a database if you’re watching porn

    New rules mean that you will have to prove you are over the age of 18 in order to view porn from April 2019.

    CREDIT: ©-lofilolo-Depositphotos

    Anyone who is watching porn via a British IP address will have to prove they’re of legal age in legislation which has critics concerned about privacy protection. The House of Commons passed the issue quietly on Monday, 17th December.

    Users will need to, from April 2019, register on porn sites with official documents such as a driver’s license, passport or an age verification card. One of the systems in place is called the AgeID system another is called AVSecure.

    The law means that you have to prove you are over the age of 18 before you can access porn sites in the UK and is part of the Digital Economy Act. The rules will apply to any website or platform which offers porn on a “commercial basis”.

    Advocates for the new rules hope that the measures will protect children from online porn.

    However, despite its intentions to protect children from accessing porn, the new law will not stop minors from being able to view unlawful content on social media.

    Porn Passes from the Newsagents

    igorovsyannykov / Pixabay

    Plans are being made to make “porn passes” available at local newsagents, which will allow people in the UK who want to watch porn to bypass inputting personal data which proves their age to various porn sites, according to The Independent. It is a way in which people can access porn anonymously once the new law comes into force.

    Buying a “porn pass” means that you will have to hand over personal information to your local newsagent, who will be able to issue you with an anonymous pass, which will allow you access to adult sites in the UK.

    Some of the activities banned by the Conservative government could overtly affect the porn consumption of gay men in the UK – including those who watch BDSM, rimming (facesitting) and fisting.

  • Piers Morgan wishes non-binary and Gender Fluid people a Merry Christmas

    In stark contrast to his usual rhetoric, the Good Morning Britain presenter wished members of gender non-conforming community a Merry Christmas.

    From ITV Studios | © ITV

    In the last Good Morning Britain of 2018, Piers Morgan wished a Merry Christmas to non-binary and genderfluid people. Piers who has been critical of the non-binary activists in recent years, was showing off pre-written cue cards in homage to the famous Andrew Lincoln Love Actually scene, where the actor holds up cards explaining his true feelings to co-star Keira Knightley.

    On one of the cards that Piers holds up on the ITV morning show, “Love to every gender fluid, non-binary individual out there, Merry Christmas” was written before the punchline, “P.s. BBC Breakfast Sucks”.

    BBC Breakfast is a competing show on BBC One.

    Seemingly a genuine gesture, Piers holds up a card acknowledging the Gender Fluid and Non-binary community.

    Before the butt of the joke is revealed – that he thinks that BBC Breakfast ”

    Snow MEN not Snow People

    Earlier this year the presenter went on a tirade against Children’s TV presenter, 20-year-old Catie Munning, who was speaking on her CBeebies show, Catie’s Amazing Machines when she said, “snow is amazing. You get to build snowpeople and go sledging.”

    Piers, who has consistently railed against gender non-conformity ranted, “You don’t build snowpeople, you see, you build snowmen, we’ve been building snowmen for 10,000 years”.

    In 2017 Piers was being criticised for the way he handled an interview with a couple who identify as non-binary. The couple, Fox and Owl were being interviewed on Good Morning Britain on ITV. You may remember Fox from Channel 4’s My Transsexual Summer.

    The interview was dubbed “inanely cruel”, disrespectful and “ill-formed”

  • How LGBT friendly is Theresa May’s Cabinet

    How LGBT friendly is Theresa May’s Cabinet

    How has Theresa May’s cabinet voted in gay and LGBT+ issues throughout their time as MPs?

    In order to get our LGBT friendly rating, we have combined absent and abstained votes as a non-vote. You can read a comment on this at the bottom of the article.

    These findings were taken from the TheyWorkForYou.com website. In determining our rating we have highlighted major votes (as determined by TheyWorkForYou). We have left out “less important votes” which is why some tallies may not match the major votes.

    Quick Analysis:

    21 Ministers (and one Peer), including the Prime Minister.

    Number of ministers who have a 50% or above LGBT friendly rating: 12/21

    Number of ministers who have a 49% or under LGBT friendly rating: 9/21

    Number of ministers who have a 100% LGBT friendly rating: 5/21

    Number of ministers who have under a 20% LGBT friendly rating: 3/21

    Prime Minister

    Theresa May

    8 votes for, 10 votes against, 9 absences, between 2002–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 5

    2003: Civil partnerships.

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    2014:  Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 2

    1998: Equalising the age of consent.

    2002: Allowing gay couples to adopt children.

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTES: 3

    2003: Repeal a ban on the promotion of homosexuality in schools. Section 28.

    2004: Allow Marriages to Remain Valid If They Become a Same-Sex Marriage.

    2007: Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.

    Rating: 29.6%

    Analysis of Theresa May’s LGBT voting:

    Ms May is what we’d call an evolved Minister on LGBT+ and gay rights. Prior to 2004 she systematically voted against the rights of gay people in the UK. Then we see a 180-degree change in her voting pattern, although she did have a blip in 2007 when she failed to vote on the Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality law. Since the beginning of this decade, she has voted positively for LGBT+ community.

    First Secretary Of State, Minister for the Cabinet Office

    David Lidington

    3 votes for, 18 votes against, 6 absences, between 2003–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 1

    2004: Allow Marriages to Remain Valid If They Become a Same-Sex Marriage.

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 3

    1998: Equalising the age of consent.

    2002: Allowing gay couples to adopt children.

    2003: Repeal a ban on the promotion of homosexuality in schools. Section 28.

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTES: 4

    2004: Civil partnerships.

    2007: Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.

    2014:  Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    Rating: 11.1%

    Analysis of David Lidington’s LGBT voting:

    David Lingtonton is one of worst voters on LGBT+ and gay matters in Theresa May’s Cabinet. He has nearly voted against or failed to turn up to every major vote concerning the equality of gay people in the UK since he took office. He has only voted positively on one major piece of legislation which was in 2004.

     

    Chancellor of the Exchequer

    Philip Hammond

    3 votes for, 11 votes against, 13 absences, between 2002–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 2

    2014:  Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 2

    1998: Equalising the age of consent.

    2002: Allowing gay couples to adopt children.

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTES: 6

    2003: Repeal a ban on the promotion of homosexuality in schools. Section 28.

    2003: Civil partnerships.

    2004: Allow Marriages to Remain Valid If They Become a Same-Sex Marriage.

    2007: Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    Rating: 11.1%

    Analysis of Philip Hammond’s LGBT voting:

    Philip Hammond has an appalling voting record on LGBT matters and his six failures to appear for a vote, to us, shows a very real lack of respect for gay rights and the LGBT+ community. He hasn’t, it would appear evolved on matters of LGBT rights, even failing to appear for the 2013 same-sex marriage vote.

     

    Foreign Secretary

    Jeremy Hunt

    8 votes for, 2 votes against, between 2008–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 5

    2007: Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    2014: Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 0

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTES: 0

    Rating: 80%

    Analysis of Jeremy Hunt’s LGBT voting:

    Jeremy has a perfect score for voting on gay and LGBT+ matters.

    Home Secretary

    Sajid Javid

    2 votes for, 0 votes against, 5 absences, between 2013–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 2

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 0

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTE: 2

    2014: Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    Rating: 28.5%

    Analysis of Sajid Javid’s LGBT voting:

    His absenteeism is cause for concern. Despite voting positively for same-sex marriage he didn’t attend a vote to equalise marriage laws or extend the right to marry to our armed forces.

    Brexit Secretary

    Stephen Barclay

    4 votes for, 0 votes against, 3 absences, between 2013–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 4

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    2014: Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    2014: Against various amendments to acts of Parliament in light of the introduction of same-sex marriage.

    MAJOR NO VOTES:0

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTES: 1

    Stephen Barclay was absent for a vote on Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill — Second Reading

    Rating: 75%

    Analysis of Stephen Barclays’s LGBT voting:

    Almost perfect score for Mr Barclay’s voting record for LGBT Right. He was absent from the second reading of Marriage (same-sex couples) Bill, but ultimately voted for the rights of gay couples to marry.

     

    Secretary of State for Defence

    Gavin Williamson

    2 votes for, 5 votes against, between 2013–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 0

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 5

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    2014: Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    2014: Against various amendments to acts of Parliament in light of the introduction of same-sex marriage.

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTES: 0

    Rating: 28.5%

    Analysis of Gavin Williamson’s LGBT voting:

    Gavin Williamson is one of worst voters on LGBT+ and gay matters in Theresa May’s Cabinet. He has voted against every major vote concerning the equality of gay people in the UK since he took office in 2010.

     

    Health and Social Care Secretary

    Matthew Hancock

    7 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2013–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 7

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    2014: Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    Rating: 100%

    Analysis of Matthew Hancock’s LGBT voting:

    Mr Hancock has a perfect score for voting on gay and LGBT+ matters.

     

     

    Justice Secretary

    David Gauke

    7 votes for, 3 votes against, between 2007–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 4

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    2014: Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 1

    2007: Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTE: 0

    Rating: 70%

    Analysis of David Gauke’s LGBT voting:

    David Gauke has a near perfect voting record on LGBT+ issues.

     

    Education Secretary

    Damian Hinds

    7 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2013–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 7

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    2014: Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    Rating: 100%

    Analysis of Matthew Hancock’s LGBT voting:

    Mr Hinds has a perfect score for voting on gay and LGBT+ matters.

     

    Secretary of State for International Trade

    Dr Liam Fox

    2 votes for, 14 votes against, 11 absences, between 2003–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 0

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 4

    2002: Allowing gay couples to adopt children.

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Both readings).

    2014:  Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTES: 5

    1998: Equalising the age of consent.

    2003: Repeal a ban on the promotion of homosexuality in schools. Section 28.

    2003: Civil partnerships.

    2004: Allow Marriages to Remain Valid If They Become a Same-Sex Marriage.

    2007: Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.

    Rating: 7.4%

    Analysis of Dr Liam Fox’s LGBT voting:

    Liam Fox has an appalling voting record on LGBT+ matters. He has systematically voted against or failed to attend votes pertaining to the LGBT+ community since 1998; doing his LGBT+ constituents in North Somerset a great disservice.

     

    Secretary of State for Businesses, Energy and Industrial Strategy

    Greg Clark

    7 votes for, 1 vote against, 2 absences, between 2007–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 4

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    2014: Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 0

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTES: 1

    2007: Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.

    Rating: 70%

    Analysis of Greg Clark’s LGBT voting:

    Greg Clark has an almost perfect voting record for LGBT+ rights in the UK.

     

    Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

    Michael Gove

    5 votes for, 0 votes against, 5 absences, between 2008–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 3

    2007: Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 0

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTE: 2

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    2014: Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    Rating: 50%

    Analysis of Michael Gove’s LGBT voting:

    Although Michael Gove has never voted against LGBT+ equality he has been absent from half the votes that affected the gay community.

    Secretary of State for Transport

    Chris Grayling

    9 votes for, 7 votes against, 4 absences, between 2002–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 5

    2007: Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    2014: Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 0

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTE: 3

    2003: Repeal a ban on the promotion of homosexuality in schools. Section 28.

    2003: Civil partnerships.

    2004: Gender Recognition Bill

    Rating: 45%

    Analysis of Chris Grayling’s LGBT voting:

    Chris Grayling is an almost 50-50 politician on LGBT+ matters. Although he has voted positively on many matters, his absence from some votes is cause for concern.

    House and Communities Secretary

    James Brokenshire

    7 votes for, 3 votes against, between 2007–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 4

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    2014: Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 1

    2007: Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTE: 0

    Rating: 70%

    Analysis of James Brokenshire’s LGBT voting:

    A good show for James Brokenshire and his voting on gay equality. However, there is one blip on his voting record and that was for 2007’s Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.

    Leader of the Lords

    Baroness Evans

    Secretary of State for Scotland

    David Mundell

    6 votes for, 3 votes against, 3 absences, between 2000–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 3

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2014: Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 0

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTE: 2

    2007: Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    Rating: 50%

    Analysis of David Mundell’s LGBT voting:

    We would have hoped that one of the UK’s highest profile out politicians would have a flawless voting record, however, Mundell has been absent from too many votes for our liking.

    Secretary of State for Wales

    Alun Cairns

    2 votes for, 1 vote against, 4 absences, between 2013–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 0

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 1

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTE: 3

    2013: Same-sex marriage.

    2014:  Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    Rating: 28.5%

    Analysis of Alun Cairn’s LGBT voting:

    Mr Cairns’ voting record, although not the worst in the Cabinet, certainly fails his LGBT constituents in the Vale of Glamorgan.

    Northern Ireland Secretary

    Karen Bradley

    7 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2013–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 4

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    2014:  Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 0

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTE: 0

    Rating: 100%

    Analysis of Karen Bradley’s LGBT voting:

    Ms Bradley has a perfect score for voting on gay and LGBT+ matters.

    Secretary of State for International Development

    Penny Mordaunt

    7 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2013–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 4

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    2014: Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 0

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTE: 0

    Rating: 100%

    Analysis of Penny Mordaunt’s LGBT voting:

    Having only served as an MP since 2010, Penny Mordaunt is part of a new Conservative wave – a much more liberal thinker. Compared with some of her longer serving Cabinet members, she has voted in far fewer matters that concern the LGBT+ community however, she has consistently voted for LGBT+ rights and is one of the highest scorers on this league table.

    Culture Secretary

    Jeremy Wright

    2 votes for, 4 votes against, 4 absences, between 2008–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 2

    2013: Jeremy Wright voted in favour of allowing same-sex couples to marry. (in primary readings, but ultimately voted against same-sex marriage)

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 4

    2013: Jeremy Wright voted in favour of allowing same-sex couples to marry.

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTES: 4

    2013: Jeremy Wright was absent for a vote on Same-Sex Marriage — Enabling Courts to Deal with Divorce or Annulment Proceedings

    2014: Jeremy Wright was absent for a vote on Make Same-Sex Marriage Available to Armed Forces Personnel Outside the United Kingdom

    2007: Jeremy Wright was absent for a vote on Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations

    Rating: 25%

    Analysis of Jeremy Wright’s LGBT voting:

    Having served since 2008, Mr Wright has had plenty of opportunities to enhance the rights of LGBT people in the UK, however, he has one of the worse ratings on Ms May’s Cabinet.

    Work and Pensions Secretary

    Amber Rudd

    7 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2013–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 5

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    2014: Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 0

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTES: 0

    Rating: 100%

    Analysis of Amber Rudd’s LGBT voting:

    Having only served as an MP since 2010, Amber Rudd is part of a new Conservative wave – a much more liberal thinker. Compared with some of her longer serving Cabinet members, she has voted in far fewer matters that concern the LGBT+ community however, she has consistently voted for LGBT+ rights and is one of the highest scorers on this league table.

     

    Party Chair

    Brandon Lewis

    4 votes for, 0 votes against, 3 absences, between 2013–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 4

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 0

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTES: 3

    2014: Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    Rating: 57%

    Analysis of Brandon’s LGBT voting:

    Generally speaking Brandon has voted for the rights of LGBT+ people however was absent from three crucial votes which directly affect the rights of LGBT armed forces and allowing the courts to treat LGBT people in the matter of divorce.

     

    How we calculated our results.
    Using TheyWorkForYou.com we were able to define MPs’ voting records on equality issues. We made conclusions on an MP’s voting record – we counted Absent votes as a negative.

    ABSENT COMMENT – Editor

    For this analysis on how this government’s head ministers LGBT friendly rating, we have chosen to consider an absent or abstain vote as a no vote. In my opinion, if you are absent for a vote you are voting for the status quo – which often meant a poorer equality for the LGBT community, such as votes surrounding age of consent, repealing section 28 and of course same-sex marriage.

    In my view, Abstaining is worse than Absent, because I believe that abstaining indicates a level of contempt and that certain issues are not even worth consideration.

  • Gay bar security staff sacked after asking customers for money to free event

    Gay bar security staff sacked after asking customers for money to free event

    Security staff at a bar in Birmingham have been dismissed after it was revealed that they were asking for money from patrons before allowing them to enter the premises.

    Missing Bar in Birmingham has fired their on door security team after it was revealed that the bouncers were demanding money from patrons before allowing them to enter the building, even though the venue itself does not charge an entrance fee.

    The bar’s management offered an apology to its customers and told patrons that the security staff were dismissed “on the spot” and the money collected was donated to charity.

    Patrons of the bar were quick to congratulate the bar’s owners on their swift decision making and resolving the issue quickly.

    Taking to Facebook Missing bar wrote,

    “AN APOLOGY
    “We were made aware that our door security team were asking customers to pay an entrance fee last night.

    “We have never charged for entry at Missing and never will.

    “Both of the security team were dismissed on the spot and any money they collected will be donated to charity”.

    One user who was asked to give money to the door staff on Thursday night last week did say that the bouncers had made it clear that the money “was non-obligatory”.

    One Facebook fan said that the behaviour from the door staff was “shocking”. Another added that it was good that the bar hadn’t taken the side of the bouncers, while another agreed saying, “I totally agree with this from past issues with their bouncers”.

     

  • LGBT Charity calendar banned from Facebook for “sexual activity” despite none

    LGBT Charity calendar banned from Facebook for “sexual activity” despite none

    Facebook’s over-eager censorship tools have caused the Naked Rugby Players page to be banned from Facebook.

    One of the UK’s top 5 charity calendars, has been banned from the social media giant, Facebook. The owners of the Naked Rugby Players charity calendar were banned this morning (16th December) and given the explanation that the picture uploaded to the platform contained genitals, sexual activity, explicit language or female nipples, despite the picture cleverly hiding every player’s genitals.

    The Naked Rugby Players calendar is a national calendar which aims to raise money for cancer charity, Balls To Cancer and LGBT+ inclusive rugby as well as bring awareness to testicle cancer and LGBT sports.

    However, the “offending” picture that was uploaded does not contain genitals, female nipples, sexual activity or sexually explicit language.

    In an explanation, Facebook told the page’s owners that the post went against their community standards and banned the page from commenting or posting for 24 hours.

    However, in a cruel double standard, Facebook hasn’t decided to delete other user’s content. Kim Kardashian-West’s page, which has over 27 million fans has dozens of naked women, which displays at least one fully naked frontal picture of a woman.

    The calendar’s Creative Director, Jake Hook said, “We take a huge amount of time on photo shoot days to ensure that everybody is comfortable and making absolutely 100 per cent sure that nobody’s genitals are on show. In fact, it is in our agreement with the clubs that take part that we make sure that no one’s genitals will be visible.

    “Facebook’s ban is obviously disappointing. We are so proud of this calendar and the message that it gives. Be proud of your body, be proud of your sexuality and be comfortable in your own skin”.

    Facebook’s Sexual Purge

    Facebook has come under fire recently for its brand new community standard’s policy. The policy which is named the “sexual solicitation” policy has been branded as “horrifying” by critics and it could adversely effect LGBT+ users on the platform.

    The policy could potentially ban gay, bisexual and transgender users from discussing whether they are top or bottoms on the site as it seeks to ban “sexual hints such as (the) mention of sexual roles, positions or fetish scenarios”.

    The platform says it is now “drawing a line” when any conversation leads to a “sexual encounter between adults”.

     

    Support the players

    If you’d like to support the players and buy the 2019 calendar you can visit their website where they are offering free shipping on calendars.