Conservatives reject Labour homophobia claims
David Cameron has rejected claims his
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Saturday, 04, Jul 2009 12:25
The Conservative party has rejected claims by two Labour MPs that many of its MPs were homophobic.
Last week, David Cameron apologised for the party's support of Section 28 which banned the promotion of homosexuality by schools.
However, Harriet Harman, leader of the House of Commons, and foreign office minister Chris Bryant said voters shouldn't trust the Conservative party to protect the rights of gay people.
In response, Tory MP Alan Duncan said Ms Harman and Mr Bryant said the Labour party was "stirring up hatred and division", adding that he believed there were many Labour MPs who were antagonistic to gay members of their party.
He said: "I have publicly paid tribute to Tony Blair for his achievements, particularly on introducing civil partnerships. David Cameron this week said that on Section 28 we had to admit we got it wrong.
"The party has changed. I bet in Labour backwaters there are plenty of people who don’t like the fact that Ben Bradshaw is gay."
Previously, Ms Harman said the apology from the Tory party was 25 years too late, adding that they were opposed to the Equalities Bill currently being discussing in parliament.
This week, the prime minister praised the contribution made by gay activists to securing their rights.
Pride London, a series of gay pride marches, are set to take place in London today.