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Playing the MP.In recent years David Blunkett has been renowned for his homophobic attitudes and actions. In April 1994 he voted against the equalisation of the age of consent for gay men. Did he support the government and the 350,000 people that attended pride last year, in the 1998 vote? I met David at a conference for voluntary workers held by Sheffield Youth Volunteer Development Programme. I asked him where "The new labour government" stood concerning gay rights issues. He said, "The new labour government hopes to bring about political and social changes over the next four years". He went on to say, "I will be giving my full support to the equalisation of the age of consent for gay men and to the repeal of section 28"
David, being the Education Secretary, will be focusing on equality throughout the schooling system. He said "with changes in policy within the schooling system a new generation of open- minded people will form" When asked about Gross Indecency repeal for gay men he said, "What is gross indecency for a homosexual person is gross indecency for a heterosexual person." He went on to say "It should not discriminate on the grounds of sexual orientation." However, David said, "The gross indecency repeal is to be considered by Jack Straur MP, The Home Secretary."
On the 22nd of June 1998, a vote for the equalisation of the age of consent for gay men was held in the House of Commons. The vote fell in favour of equalisation, 316;for 115;against. VICTORY for young gay men across the United Kingdom. However, David Blunkett abstained. It just goes to show you can't trust anyone, no matter which side they bat for! The house of lords then stopped the bill from becoming law! |