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.”
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.
In the tweet, which was sent on the 6th December, days, before Morris had the Tory party whip restored Morris wrote, “Happy to support @DogsTrust campaign against #puppysmuggling in Parliament yesterday!”
Forgive me for feeling this is somewhat hypocritical & your support is not given with animal welfare in mind, given that you voted against animals being sentient in the #EUWithdrawalBill merely weeks ago.
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”.
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 Metropolitan Police has reported that a man in central London was the subject of a homophobic attack.
Detectives in London are seeking the public’s help after a man in his 50s was allegedly subjected to an assault in central London in what police are calling a, “suspected homophobic attack”.
The victim, a man in his 50s, was standing at a bus stop outside Charing Cross rail station on Saturday, 18 November at about 21:30hrs.
The location of the reported attack is just a few hundred meters away from one of London’s most popular LGBT+ hotspots, the Heaven / G-A-Y nightclub.
Two men approached the victim and began to shout homophobic abuse at him before punching him several times. He sustained head injuries, but he was not hospitalised.
After the alleged attack the two men, described as white and in their 20s were seen running towards Trafalgar Square.
The two men, who were both described as white, aged in their 20s and wearing dark jackets, ran away towards Trafalgar Square.
Trafalgar Square is particularly important to the LGBT+ community in London as it is where Pride In London has been held for many years.
There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.
Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident are asked to contact Westminster Community Safety Unit via 101 or Tweet @MetCC.
Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.
Callisto is four tales for the price of one in a time travelling epic concerning queer people in different eras. They’re not stand alone stories but are interspersed and entwined with each other. Basically, it’s a poor man’s ‘Cloud Atlas’ but with LGBT people. The first tale is about opera singer Arabella who’s married to another woman and about to be exposed and get herself in some serious trouble. Secondly, Alan Turing is talking to the mother of the boy who was his first love. Thirdly, Tammy is on the trail of a hot porn actress who she’s become infatuated with. Finally, CAL is an A.I. in the future who’s fallen for a human.
They’re a mixed bag of plays which don’t all work as well as they might and there’s something derivative about the whole set-up at times. The scenes about the 17th-century female couple are the strongest and the Alan Turing scenes are cleverly written but lack much drive, floundering in parts. The other two sections fare less well, especially the futuristic part. If the future involves talking in strange mixed up speech whilst wearing bicycle lights shining down your legs and tee-shirt, culottes combos with odd side ties then count me out of it.
The production has merits with strong acting and a wry sense of humour but doesn’t quite fill its potential. Regardless, it’s an engaging evening and worthy of a look.
There’s something unmistakable about British movies – and there’s something truly magical about British gay movies. Here’s our favorites from the 80s, 90s and right up to date
These movies were voted on by the readership of THEGAYUK.com
10) Prick Up Your Ears (1987)
The story of the controversial British playwright, Joe Orton. Joe is played by Gary Oldman. The film chronicles Orton’s rise to fame and fortune, particularly with the success of his play, What The Butler Saw.
The story of Oscar Wilde one of the world’s most famous queer men. Wilde is played by national treasure, Stephen Fry. The film plots Wilde’s life, from his marriage and fatherhood right through to his affairs with rent boys and his relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas.
Five stories are interlinked in this film by Kevin Elyot and Adrian Shergold. It centres on the life and experiences of gay men during a 36-hour period in the Clapham area of London.
7) Bent (1998)
The tragic and heartbreaking story of gay men under the imprisonment of the Nazis in World War 2. Based on a play written by Sean Mathias in 1979. It stars Clive Owen and Ian McKellen.
This Merchant-Ivory adaptation of E.M. Forster’s Edwardian novel gave Hugh Grant his first major role. Cambridge undergraduate Clive Durham (Hugh Grant) is thrown into confusion about his sexuality when he experiences strong feelings for fellow student Maurice Hall (James Wilby). Both men attempt to suppress the ‘love that dare not speak its name’, but the arrival of a handsome gamekeeper (Rupert Graves) forces Maurice to submit to his natural impulses.
Set within the Asian community in London, My Beautiful Launderette is an unusual love story concerned with identity and entrepreneurial spirit during the Thatcher years. Omar (Gordon Warnecke) takes over the running of his wheeler-dealer Uncle’s launderette with the intention of turning it into a glittering palace of commercial success. When he employs childhood friend and ex-National Front member Johnny (Daniel Day-Lewis) they become lovers as well as working partners. However, complications soon ensure as the anger of Johnny’s deserted gang begins to build and Omar is forced to face increasingly difficult family issues. Written by Hanif Kureishi and skilfully directed by Stephen Frears, My Beautiful Launderette tackles the difficult issues of racism, bigotry, violence and politics in early 80’s Britain and still manages to be compassionate, humorous and hugely entertaining.
When being gay was still taboo in Britain, coming out as gay was a minefield, especially when you’re a teenager. Directed by Simon Shore and based on a play by Patrick Wilde.
A one-night stand that becomes something more – an unconventional love story between two young men trying to make sense of their lives. Available from AMAZON | iTunes
2) Pride (2014)
One of the best blockbuster films to come out of Britain. Pride is the true story of a group Gay and Lesbian activists standing in solidarity and raising money for coalminers during the 1984 miners’ strike. With an all-out celebrity cast, Pride won many awards including a BAFTA and a Cannes Film Festival Award.
★★★★ | The Hundred and One Dalmatians, Birmingham Rep
tail-waggingly brilliant.
The Hundred and One Dalmatians, a childhood favourite, presented by the Birmingham Rep, had fun, laughs and tasty treats of darkness. The puppets, designed by Jimmy Grime, were a show-stealer. The way in which they moved and looked was so real – you had to blink to realise they were not real.
A very commendable performance for all the artists who held/manoeuvred the animals. The dogs looked bizarrely realistic, with the heads at the right scale of the real species – most realistic was the Afghan Hound. The puppetry/dog handlers were incredibly agile, mixed with exquisite acting and singing really enhanced the narrative. Oliver Wellington (Pongo) was particularly impressive with his dextrous movement and voice. The way he showed the jovial and clumsy nature of Pongo was a good connect to pet owners in the audience, receiving many laughs. Equally, Emma Thornett (Missis) did very well with the emotional scenes with the movement adding superbly to the drama. The astute projection of the dog’s feelings by Emma onto Missis was incredibly captivating. You could hear the emotion in the artist’s voice and felt naturally compassioned while watching the puppet.
The second duo who really entertained were the Badduns: Jasper (Lewis Griffin) and Saul (Luke Murphy). The two men hired to do the deed with the puppies were hilarious and really lifted the show. The actors’ mastery of comedic timing, audience interaction, and versatility of movement raised the level of brilliance. Lewis, in particular, gave every bit of himself with Jasper, leaving no stone unturned in making the kids and adults laugh.
Cruella De Vil (Gloria Onitiri) was excellent and as cruel and devilish as I had hoped. I am sure Glenn Close would have really enjoyed her performance too. Her appearance was perfectly fitting to the role; her voice was harrowing and malevolent, creating darkness so subliminally. My favourite moment of the whole show was when Cruella sang ‘Skin It’ and hitting the last note with such deep and menacing tones really was a goosebumpy moment.
Mr and Mrs Dearly played by Morgan Philpott and Nadi Kemp-Sayfi respectively were great too. Morgan showed good variety with playing the Sheepdog. I think the puppets drowned them out a little though, and sometimes the puppet actors speaking for the dogs, mixed with Mr and Mrs Dearly talking, created a distraction and was not always sure who was talking, or where to look.
This show has to be watched, and though there were heavy Christmas overtones, it is a classic I would watch all year around.
Officers have launched an investigation following an incident where two men were assaulted in a homophobic attack.
The incident happened on board a train service at between Havant and Pulborough at 8.34pm on 22 September.
Two men boarded the service at Havant railway station, a short time into the journey two women board the service.
They were on board the service for around 20 minutes before leaving to get up to leave the service at Pulborough station.
One of the women then threw a glass jar which she was drinking from at the two men, brushing the head of one of them.
The same girl was also making homophobic remarks to the two men relating to their sexuality.
On arriving at the station, the two women got off the train, and as they did the same woman who had been using offensive language walked past the window where the two men were sat and spat at the window.
The women left the station while the two men stayed on the service.
Officers would now like to speak to the two women in the CCTV image as they believe they may have information that could help with the investigation.
Anyone with any information should contact British Transport Police on 08004 0 50 40 or text 61016 citing reference 656 of 22/09.
Following an appeal for information in relation to a homophobic assault, two teenage boys have been identified and arrested.
The British Transport Police confirmed that two people they wished to speak to in connection with an alleged homophobic assault on the Jubilee line have been arrested.
The two 16-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of assault (5/12) and are currently in custody.
The incident happened on 21 October at around 11.10pm, when the alleged offenders boarded the train at West Ham and verbally abusing the victim and his friends, using homophobic language.
CREDIT: R~P~M / Flickr
When they were challenged about their language, they purportedly became violent.
British Transport Police reported,
“The first offender then pulled the victim from his seat into a headlock, strangling him.
“The second offender took the victim’s phone and verbally abused him again, also making threats to stab him.
“They demanded the victim apologise for being gay which eventually the victim did as he was struggling to breathe. They then let him go and handed back his phone and a fight ensued between the victim’s friends and the offenders.
“One of the victim’s friends, a 25-year-old woman, was punched and pushed to the ground. She sustained bruising.
“The original victim did not sustain any injuries”.
The two then disembarked the train at North Greenwich, leaving the victims on the train.
In a statement, the BTP said, “Hate crime will not be tolerated by British Transport Police. We believe that everyone has the right to travel safety. We won’t tolerate behaviour where someone is targeted because they are perceived to be different, or made to feel uncomfortable on their journey”.
You cantext the British Transport Police on61016to report non-emergency incidents.
A 19-year-old victim of homophobic abuse was allegedly held in a stranglehold and forced to apologise for being gay on a London tube.
Investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying two men they’d like to speak to in connection with a violent incident on a Jubilee line train between West Ham and North Greenwich.
The incident happened on 21 October at around 11.10pm, when the alleged offenders boarded the train at West Ham and verbally abusing the victim and his friends, using homophobic language.
They were challenged about their language, which is when the incident purportedly became violent.
British Transport Police report,
“The first offender then pulled the victim from his seat into a headlock, strangling him.
“The second offender took the victim’s phone and verbally abused him again, also making threats to stab him.
“They demanded the victim apologise for being gay which eventually the victim did as he was struggling to breathe. They then let him go and handed back his phone and a fight ensued between the victim’s friends and the offenders.
“One of the victim’s friends, a 25-year-old woman, was punched and pushed to the ground. She sustained bruising.
“The original victim did not sustain any injuries”.
The two men then disembarked the train at North Greenwich, leaving the victims on the train.
Officers would like to speak to the people shown in the images as they may have information which could help the investigation.
If you recognise them, please call BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting reference number 273 of 1/12.
In a statement the BTP said, “Hate crime will not be tolerated by British Transport Police. We believe that everyone has the right to travel safety. We won’t tolerate behaviour where someone is targeted because they are perceived to be different, or made to feel uncomfortable on their journey”.
You cantext the British Transport Police on61016to report non-emergency incidents.
La Soiree has garnered quite a reputation on the cabaret scene over the past few years.
They’ve won a couple of Olivier Awards, headlined the circus field at Glastonbury and globe-trotted around in various Spiegeltents and opera houses. Now they’ve gone all upmarket and are inhabiting the lovely old but freshly repainted Aldwych Theatre. Don’t worry though. They might be in the West End but there’s still plenty of filth and subversion to keep you dirty birdies happy. Or not. If you want to take your nan and your nephew there’s a toned down version sans smut called ‘La Petite Soiree’ (aimed at ages 8 and upwards).
They’ve re-jigged the theatre to make it look like a cabaret venue with on stage seating and rows of in the round stalls seats. You’ve got to have nerves of steel if you’re planning on sitting on stage, by the way. There’s a distinctly ‘cabaret’ atmosphere (i.e. slightly drunken) and it’s a fast-paced frenetic show with little chance to pause for breath. Unlike a lot of cabaret shows there’s no compere and no filler. It’s just back to back acts. If you’ve seen it before you might be looking forward to the pole dancing city gents and their amazing pecs. Sadly, they’re not here this year but don’t fret. There’s plenty of buff male flesh including a comedic set piece with two chaps barely hiding their two old chaps behind skimpy towels.
It’s the usual mix of comedy, acrobatics, hoola-hooping, puppetry and plain weirdness (a woman spinning around in an aerial display, suspended by her hair? I rest my case M’lud). Perfect for a Christmas night out or for raising you out of a case of the New Year doldrums.
Detectives in 
