THEGAYUK

Tag: Politics

The latest news, interviews, and views from the world of LGBT politics in the UK and internationally.

  • Tory MP slammed for ‘transphobic’ message about trans women’s genitalia

    “Somebody possessing a penis & pair of testicles is definitely not a woman”

    David Davies, the MP for Monmouth has been slammed by trans advocates and his party’s own LGBT+ group for being a transphobe after he Tweeted a shocking message, which suggested that trans women who still have a penis and testicles are not women.

    Taking to Twitter he wrote,

    “Somebody possessing a penis & pair of testicles is definitely not a woman. This should be a biological fact not a matter for political debate. At least we can agree on something.”

    It wasn’t long before the party’s own LGBT+ group, LGBT+ Conservatives, commented, “David TC Davies’ transphobic views are abhorrent and out of kilter with Conservative Party policy.

    “It’s clear that the T in his name stands for transphobe. It’s equally clear what the C stands for.”

    The MP hit out at the group calling them a “disgrace” questioning whether the group was fit to stand for equality saying, “It is appalling that a Conservative group which purports to stand for equality is willing to allude to the word “c*nt” to describe MPs it doesn’t like. You are a disgrace.”

    LGBT+ voting record

    David Davies has, according to TheyWorkForYou.com, consistently voted against gay rights. During his time in office, he has voted five times against and been absent five times on LGBT+ equality laws. He also voted against same-sex marriage.

    Victim of abuse

    The MP went on to Tweet about the abuse that MPs face on social media.

    “Abuse on social media is par for the course as an MP – but it’s a sad day when it comes from a group based in the HQ of the party which I have actively supported for over 30 years.”

    He then called out the LGBT+ Conservatives for being misogynistic before suggesting that he would report the group for online abuse to the party Chairman, Brandon Lewis.

    Targetting the perpetrators of online abuse, cyberbullying and trolling have been in the sights of the Conservatives in recent years. Those found guilty of online maltreatment could face prosecution in England and Wales.

  • Actually, it seems Tim Farron does think gay sex is a sin

    Tim Farron misled the British people on his views on homosexuality – can he ever be trusted again?

    Former Liberal Democrat leader, Tim Farron, who was asked repeatedly during the General Election 2017 whether he thought gay sex was a sin or not has revealed that he actually regrets some of the things he said during the GE2017.

    Farron stepped down as the party’s leader shortly after the results of the General Election were announced.

    Today during an interview with Premier Christian Radio the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale said that he had felt under pressure to mislead the public on his true thoughts about the subject and that he had regrets for some of the things he said during the many times he was questioned about his beliefs.

    He told them,

    “The bottom line is, of course, I did [feel pressured] and there are things – including that – that I said that I regret.

    “There was a General Election and all they wanted to do was talk about my Christian beliefs. I foolishly and wrongly attempted to push it away by giving an answer that frankly was not right.

    He added, “I found myself in a situation, partly because of events beyond my control and partly because of things that were my fault, where I either had to be compromising my faith and say things that were not true – or be true to my faith, and be in a situation where I sucked all of the attention away from our main message.”

    Dodging gay questions

    During the election, the Prime Minister hopeful repeatedly dodged questions about his beliefs. He finally, during an interview on the BBC, said specifically that he didn’t think that gay sex was a sin. The week before he told the House Of Commons that he didn’t think that being gay was a sin.

    During his time as an MP, according to TheyWorkForYou.com Farron has for voted for gay equality six times, once against and was absent for three votes.

    ‘Christians have a clear idea of what sin is’

    Continuing with Premier Christian Radio, Farron said,

    “It’s tricky really. In the end, if you’re a Christian you’ve got a very clear idea of what you think a sin is. It is us falling short of the glory of God. That is something that all of us share.

    “To be asked that question is to persecute one group of human beings, because sin is something we are all guilty of.

    “If you’re not a Christian, what does sin mean? It’s to be accused of something, it’s condemnatory. We’re talking different languages.

    “Maybe I could have explained that, and the Biblical teaching on sex and sexuality. But let’s be brutally honest, with the exception of programmes like this you don’t get more than 20 seconds to get your message across.”

    Watch the full video here above.

     

     

  • Anti-gay equality MP, who voted 28 times against LGBT+ laws, Knighted

    An MP who has voted against LGBT+ rights a staggering 28 times gets a Knighthood.

    (C) Parliament.UK

    A Conservative MP who has stood in Parliament twice and voted against laws which equalised the rights of gay people in the UK has been Knighted by the Queen in the New Year’s honours.

    Sir Christopher Chope, the MP for Christchurch in Dorset first entered parliament in 1983. He was then defeated in the 1992 General Election but won his seat back in 1997. He has voted against equal gay rights since 1999, and in 2004 he voted against Civil Partnerships and again in 2014 he voted against same-sex marriage.

    He has also voted against and was absent for all laws which promote equality and human rights.

    He served in both Margaret Thatcher’s and John Major’s governments.

    Chope was honoured for his political and public services.

    He was made an OBE in 1982.

     

  • Andrea Leadsom says she would be “happy” to see gay marriage in Church

    Despite abstaining from the same-sex marriage vote, Andrea Leadsom said that she’d be “happy” to see same-sex couples getting married in Churches.

    Cabinet Minister, Andrea Leadsom, who ran an unsuccessful bid to become the UK’s Prime Minister in 2016 has said that she would be “happy” to see gay marriage in Churches, despite previously saying that same-sex marriage “harms” Christians.

    At a recent event, she addressed her poor voting record on LGBT+ rights, specifically, the Marriage (same-sex couples) Bill in 2013.

    Speaking to PinkNews, she said, “My decision [to abstain on the 2013 Marriage (same-sex couples) Bill] related specifically to the legislation around registry offices and churches, and the way in which the Christian faith recognises marriage.

    “I have always been clear that I believe the love of same-sex couples is just as important, and indeed equal, as the love of heterosexual couples.

    “I would be very happy to see same-sex couples married in a church, but that is a matter for the Church of England.

    “I am proud to live in a country that recognises equality for all.”

  • People are not happy that Anne Marie Morris is supporting Dogs Trust

    Tweet by Anne Marie Morris, supporting Dogs Trust does not go down well with some of the charity’s supporters.

    Anti-gay equality MP, Anne Marie Morris, who recently had the whip restored, after using a racial slur, has put her name alongside the charity Dogs Trust – an organisation which aims to “bring about the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction”.

    The charity has become well-known in the gay community as it regularly attends LGBT+ prides across the country with its huge inflatable yellow dog often one of the highlights of the parade, and using the opportunity to raise money and awareness for its cause.

    Ms Morris voted against same-sex marriage in 2013 and was absent from a number of other votes pertaining to the rights of LGBT+ people in the UK. In July she was suspended from the Conservative party when she used the n-word during a Brexit discussion which was recorded by a journalist in attendance.

    Happy To Support Dogs Trust

    In the tweet, which was sent on the 6th December, days, before Morris had the Tory party whip restored Morris wrote, “Happy to support campaign against in Parliament yesterday!”

    The tweet was then retweeted by two Dogs Trust Twitter accounts.

    Hypocritical?

    Followers of the charity were quick to respond to the photograph.

    Speaking to THEGAYUK.com a spokesperson for Dogs Trust said, “Last week Dogs Trust held an annual event at the House of Commons which all MPs are invited to, Anne was one of 98 MPs and peers who attended. Dogs Trust does not have any MP patrons but engages with MPs across all parties all year round on a raft of dog welfare issues and legislation”.

  • Anti-gay equality, N word MP Anne Marie Morris has Tory whip restored

    The whip returned to MP Anne Marie Morris.


    Conservative MP Anne Marie Morris has had the whip restored after being suspended earlier this year for using the vile racist expression “n***** in the woodpile”.

    The MP for Newton Abbot in Devon has apologised for the remark that she made and said that she had,  “learned from the experience”. The BBC reports that she is said to have said that she would, “seek to uphold the highest possible standards in public life”,

    Suspended

    The MP for Newton Abbott had been speaking about Brexit where she said,

    “Now I’m sure there will be many people who’ll challenge that, but my response and my request is look at the detail, it isn’t all doom and gloom,

    “Now we get to the real n***** in the woodpile, which is, in two years, what happens if there is no deal?”

    The recording was unearthed by HuffPost who noted that the Brexit-backing MP utter the disgraceful phrase, which has its origins in the late 19th and 20th century, as she described the idea of leaving the EU with no deal.

    Independent MP

    During the time in which Morris had the Tory whip removed, she sat in Parliament as an Independent MP – but voted with the government.

    In 2013 MP Morris voted against same-sex marriage and was absent from all other votes about the rights of LGBT+ people in the UK.

  • The Government has refused to make “gay cures” illegal

    Making gay cures a criminal offence is not the forward – apparently

    The British Government has affirmed its position on “gay cures” or conversion therapy. It condemns it, but won’t make the practice of it illegal.

    In responding to a petition, created earlier in 2017,  which attracted 11,000 signatories, the Government said that although it condemned the practice of conversion therapy, it did not believe that making the treatment illegal was the “right way forward”.

    The therapy, which has no evidentiary proof of benefit, has been widely criticised by the professional health industry and is seen as incredibly damaging to the LGBT+ community. The therapy is banned on the NHS.

    This is not the first time the Government has refused to make substantive steps towards the banning of so-called “gay cures”, in 2015 it declined to ban them. 

     

    The Government has refused to make "gay cures" illegal

    In its latest response, responding to the petition, the Department of Health said,

    “There is no evidence that this sort of treatment is beneficial, and indeed it may well cause significant harm to some patients. It is incumbent on professionals working in the National Health Service to ensure that treatment and care, including therapy, is provided to every patient without any form of discrimination.

    “This Government is committed to tackling discrimination towards LGBT people. That is why we have already worked with the main registration and accreditation bodies for psychotherapy and counselling practitioners, including the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), to develop first a consensus statement and then a Memorandum of Understanding committing signatory organisations to a range of activities including training and awareness raising amongst their members in relation to this issue.

    “This Government has already taken the necessary steps to prevent the practice of gay conversion therapy in the UK”.

  • Australia says YES to gay marriage

    The people of Austraila has voted – and the resounding answer is yes to marriage between same-sex couples.

    Australia says YES to gay marriage

    The vote, which was non-binding, showed that 61.6% of people voted in favour of allowing same-sex couples to wed, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said.

    However, as the vote is non-binding it will have to be debated by politicians before becoming law. The Country’s Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull said that he was aiming pass the legislation in Parliament by Christmas.

    He said, “[Australians] have spoken in their millions and they have voted overwhelmingly yes for marriage equality,

    “They voted yes for fairness, yes for commitment, yes for love.”

    In neighbouring New Zealand, gay marriage was legalised in 2013, it was the 13th country in the world to allow marriage between two people of the same sex.

    CONGRATULATIONS

    Numerous stars and high profile organisations reacted to the news by praising Australia for their choice. Leading the congratulatory messages was gay icon, Kylie Minogue, who has long advocated for same-sex marriage.

    Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau tweeted,

    The Sydney Opera house even got into the conversation by Tweeting a rainbow-lit version of their famous landmark.

  • Read First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s full speech on pardoning men convicted for gay sexual activity

    Here’s the full speech that was given by First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, setting out Scotland’s apology to gay men convicted of sexual activity which is now legal.

    Presiding officer,

    I am grateful for this opportunity to address the chamber. Today marks an important milestone in achieving true equality for Scotland’s LGBTI community.

    This morning, the Historical Sexual Offences (Pardons and Disregards) (Scotland) Bill was published.

    Scotland has travelled so far in recent years, in relation to LGBTI equality, that it still shocks us to recall that as recently as 1980 – well within my lifetime – consenting sexual activity between men was still classed as a criminal activity in this country. And the age of consent was only lowered to 16 in 2001, two years after this parliament came into being. Before then, hundreds of people in Scotland were liable to be convicted as criminals, simply for loving another adult.

    Presiding Officer, the words inscribed on this Parliament’s Mace set out the values which we seek to uphold and promote – integrity, wisdom, justice and compassion. Yet even within the lifetime of this parliament, this nation’s laws have created suffering and perpetrated injustice.

    The legislation we have published today addresses that injustice. It provides an automatic pardon to men convicted of same-sex sexual activity that would now be legal.

    In addition, the bill establishes a new procedure, so that people can apply to the police for their offence to be disregarded from criminal records. This means it will never appear on a disclosure certificate.

    The legislation therefore has both a symbolic and a practical value. The pardon sends an unequivocal message to anybody convicted of an offence for an activity which is now legal. The law should not have treated them as criminals and they should not now be considered as such. Instead, this parliament recognises that a wrong was done to them.

    And the disregard has an important practical consequence. It allows people to ensure that their past criminal record will no longer have an impact on their day to day life. And that will change people’s lives.

    At present, as the Equality Network and others have highlighted to us, there are some people convicted merely of showing love and affection to their partner, who still have to explain their criminal record every time they move job or apply for a promotion. That is unacceptable and we are determined that it will end.

    So the bill we are publishing today rights a historic wrong.

    However Presiding Officer, I want to go further today and do something that legislation on its own cannot do. A pardon is, of course, the correct legal remedy to apply for the convictions we are talking about today – but the term “pardon” might still, to some people, imply that Parliament sees them as having done something wrong. That is, after all, a common context in which a pardon might be granted.

    However, as all of us know, that is not the case here. For people convicted of same sex sexual activity which is now legal, the wrong has been committed by the state to them, not by the individuals. Those individuals deserve an unqualified apology, as well as a pardon.

    That apology can only come from the government and from Parliament – not from the justice system. After all, the courts, prosecutors and the police were enforcing the law of land at the time.

    The simple fact is that parliamentarians in Scotland over many decades supported or, at the very least, accepted laws which we now recognise to have been completely unjust.

    Those laws criminalised the act of loving another adult; they deterred people from being honest about their identity to family, friends, neighbours and colleagues; and by sending a message from parliament that homosexuality was wrong, they encouraged rather than deterred homophobia and hate.

    So today I, as First Minister, categorically, unequivocally and wholeheartedly, apologise for those laws, and for the hurt and the harm that they caused.

    Nothing this parliament does can erase those injustices. But I hope that this apology, alongside our new legislation, can provide some comfort to those who endured them. And I hope that it provides evidence of this parliament’s determination, in so far as we can, to address the harm that was done.

    The final point I would make is that while today’s legislation marks an important milestone in Scotland’s progress towards LGBTI equality, our journey is not yet complete.

    Considering how recently it is, that the laws I have just discussed were in force, it is remarkable, and indeed inspiring, that Scotland is now considered to be one of the most progressive countries in Europe when it comes to LGBTI equality.

    Indeed, one of the proudest moments of my 18 years as an MSP – and, I know, one of the proudest moments for many MSPs across this chamber – was in February 2014, when people from all parties came together to support equal marriage.

    But as all of us know, until we live in a country – in fact, until we live in a world – where no young person suffers hate or fear or discrimination or prejudice, simply because of their sexual orientation or their gender identity, then we have still got work to do.

    That’s why have promised to improve our gender recognition legislation. We know that we need to ensure that it reflects the experiences and the needs of transgender and intersex people.

    It’s why I attach such importance to the Scottish government’s work with the TIE campaign – ensuring that our young people do not have to fear bullying in school.

    It’s also why we are reviewing hate crime legislation – to ensure that our laws provide the right protections against bigotry and hatred.

    And it’s why I hope that today’s apology – in addition to its specific significance for gay men – sends out a wider signal to the LGBTI community. The Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament are utterly committed to delivering true equality for LGBTI people in Scotland. Wherever there are societal, cultural, legislative or regulatory barriers to achieving that, we will seek to remove them. We will never again accept laws or behaviours which discriminate against you and hurt you.

    And so although today is a day for looking back and apologising for past wrongs, it is also a day which points to a better future.

    And it is a day when this chamber promotes, and lives up to, our shared values – integrity, wisdom, compassion and justice.

  • Gay Scottish Men Who Had ‘Illegal’ Sex Pardoned


    Due to licensing this article must be read on our website

    Scotland is on the verge of pardoning thousands of gay men once convicted for having sex. Under Scottish law, consensual homosexual acts between men were considered a crime until 1981. A new bill would pardon everyone who was prosecuted under those laws, living and dead. (more…)

  • How gay friendly is Theresa May’s Cabinet

    How gay 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 No 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.