Cameron Criticised for Alliance with Homophobic Polish Party
February 09, 2010
Tory Leader David Cameron has come under fire for his party’s alliance with Poland’s homophobic Polish Law and Justice Party, but says the liberals have also sided with anti-gay groups.
David Cameron
Still, Cameron highlighted his progressive views on gay rights saying the blood donation ban on gay men should be lifted and that reform in the Church of England is needed. Last week he said UK schools should teach about gay relationships in order to foster a better sense of equality and reduce homophobia.
Speaking to Johan Hari of Attitude Magazine, the Tory leader said, "One of the reasons for doing this interview is hopefully to try and get across a sense that I have not joined with these people because of their views on social issues. I have not.
"There should be a centre-right group in Europe that wants [the European Union to be] an open, flexible, trading Europe, rather than the endless progress towards a more federalised Europe."
"I'm not allied with parties that have views on homophobia or racism that I think are unacceptable."
Last week the House of Lords voted to allow religious organizations not to hire gay staff. When asked to comment, Cameron said "I don't want to get into a huge row with the Archbishop here… but the Church [of England] has to do some of the things that the Conservative Party has been through – sorting this issue out and recognising that full equality is a bottom-line, full essential."
A question regarding the plight of gay people facing possible state execution in other countries was brought up and Cameron was asked if gay people should hide their sexuality, as the Labour government’s Home Office suggests for gay refugees.
"If you are fleeing persecution and that fear is well-founded, then you should be able to stay,” he said.
"As I understand it, the 1951 Convention [on the rights of refugees] doesn't mention sexuality, but because it mentions membership of a social group, that phrase is being used by the courts, rightly, to say that if someone has a realistic fear of persecution they should be allowed to stay."
Image author: World Economic Forum
