Looking here, she has a clear record of opposition to equality legislation.

Combined with the fact that she opposed the repeal of Section 28 - introducing a wrecking amendment - in 2003, it seems clear that Ann believes that equal rights for gays are a bad thing.

So, do we think she's a homophobe, or does she simply have a set of opinions which outwardly appear homophobic?

Discuss

Yes. Yes, she is.

Next question?

We can't know if she's homophobic. All we know is that she's against equal rights for gay people, which is enough to dislike her on it's own really. Proves she's small-minded, not that she's a homophobe.

So she's for discrimination, but not actually homophobic?

Ummm...


Well, my next question would be, is it morally acceptable to vote for someone with such views?

Yes she is homophobic based on her history in politics. She's anti a lot of things though isn't she i.e. female bishops. She's also phobic about being thought 'suggestive' as if that could ever happen!

So is any Christian/Catholic that believes the teaching and practices of their religion a homophobe?

Yes, if those teachings are homophobic.

Don't know about "morally acceptable", but I wouldn't vote for her in a political election because she is homophobic, misogynist and has bonkers views on what constitutes an ideal family (which run completely counter to anthropological evidence). She therefore doesn't represent my views.

I don't vote for her in Strictly because she's shite at dancing, doesn't try and is altogether belligerent and unappealing.

If that involves discriminating against a section of society then yes.

Depends on their interpretation of the Bible

It's not like there's only one way to understand it.

I dunno.

If a set of beliefs includes discrimination against a particular minority, then what would you call it?

Personally, I'd call those beliefs discriminatory.

She is homophobic!

So every practising Catholic is a homophobe, as are Muslims and various others who don't believe in gay marriage.

Interesting, there are probably many viewers that fall into that camp, but would object to that tag.

She is definitely not a misogynist....she may possibly be considered a misanthropist.....

If you are going to use posh words - you should check what they mean first.....

(a misogynist is someone who hates women - and Ann doesn't.....)

Odd that she has gay friends and acquaintances then.

Who said she has?

Well, they are in denial then.

Thank you for your patronising comments. I know perfectly well what misogynist means and I consider Ann Widdecombe to be one.

What she said.

Doubt it very much.

If you believe in homophobic teachings, then yes.

They can try to justify it however they like to make themselves feel better. Hate the sin love the sinner . People don't really buy this excuse anymore. Call a spade a spade.
I don't care if they 'feel uncomfortable' about being called homophobic, biased, bigoted or whatever.

And yes, AW is one.

Not ANOTHER AW thread!

She's religious and moral, that's her foundation. She can basically disapprove of the homosexual act but I don't see why that should also make her a hater.

I don't think this a question we can answer. I'm not defending her because I have any love for her, I don't.

Just because she is a woman doesn't mean she's not a misogynist.

You're taking things to extremes, I think. And you're expanding the topic. My topic is not "Is the Catholic Church homophobic?" - that;s not really relevant to this forum - but "Is Ann homophobic?".

If someone acts in a discrimatory way - and Ann clearly has done so, look at the record - are they bigotted, or not?

If they actively promote and support discriminatory measures, what would you describe them as?