Harman: The Tory heart is homophobic

Friday, 3 July 2009 12:00 AM

By Ian Dunt

Harriet Harman has waded into the row over gay rights by saying the "heart of the Tories is homophobic".

Speaking to Pink News on a day which has seen Conservative and Labour's claims and counter-claims to the gay vote become increasingly bitter, the equalities minister said the community should still be wary of the opposition.

"I don't think anyone should be fooled by the apology, which is already 25 years too late," she said.

"It is not the view of the Tory party. They have voted against the equality bill. If they were sincere, they would support it.

"The essential heart of the Tories is homophobic."

Ms Harman was speaking after a day in which two Labour Cabinet members - Chris Bryant and Ben Bradshaw - launched tough attacks against Tory party commitments to gay rights.

A little later, Ms Harman's Conservative counterpart, Alan Duncan, who is openly gay, said Labour was stirring up "hatred and division".

Tags:
• domestic policy
,
• equality
,
• gender and sexuality