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Boris rejects call for apology
Katharine Barney21.04.08
Calls to apologise to the gay community for likening civil partnership to marriages between "three men and a dog" were rejected by Boris Johnson.
He was asked to retract the comments at a hustings for mayoral comments organised by gay rights group Stonewall.
Activists also questioned him on his views schools should not be told to promote homosexuality.
The comments were made by the Tory candidate in a series of articles he wrote in 2000.
But despite calls to "apologise", Mr Johnson sidestepped the questioned.
He said: "My point is that I think it is not the job of the state to be interfering and prescribing this or that relationship and that is my view."
Reader views (8)
Well he's lost my vote. I just don't feel like paying taxes to a guy like this, who I suspect will throw slurs at the gay community once he is in power. As for the Standard, I wish you would not publish homophobic comments from people like David from Crawley. Somehow, I suspect you will not be publishing this..
- Dave, London N10
I can't believe I ever supported Stonewall, they've turned into another victimhood-obsessed clique of nutters, who do not represent the majority of the gay community.
"schools should not be told to promote homosexuality." Quite right, they should be told to promote literacy and numeracy.
This from an organization which believe that five year olds should be taught about sodomy.
- Sarah N., London
Reading some of the comments on here I am shocked. Yes we are 'guys' David you patronising bigot and I think we have a right to be treated equally not mocked by pompous Tory buffoons who in my opinion do not have enough common sense to run a hole like Crawley let alone a World city like London.
- David, London
Well done Boris - these guys (guys?) are far too sensitive and defensive.
- David, Crawley UK
This is Stonewall at its most desperate. How Boris could have been referring to Civil Partnerships in 2000 when they were introduced by the Civil Partnerships Act of 2004.
- Jerry, London
Good lad Boris; you would have my vote if I had one.
Homosexuals were given an well deserved inch; but the buggers are now trying to take an ell and a bit.
- Frank, Saarbruecken Germany
I think the use of the phrase "promotion of homosexuality" is dangerous. The suggestion that something is being promoted implies that it is put forward as a better option than something else so I can understand why Boris (or any other politician for that matter) would not agree with promotion. What should be "promoted" in schools is understanding and tolerance of all sexualities. No sexuality should be forced on children as being "right or wrong" or a preferable norm. Better a mayor who speaks his mind and is honest than one who tries to be friends with everyone thereby offending all. How can Ken claim to champion gay rights whilst publicly associating with and supporting Muslim leaders who have said that they believe gay people should die?
- Sj, London
The headline and photo make it sound like something new- but the article's just talking about the previous comments Boris made.
I disagree with Boris with regard to Civil Partnerships, but I do agree with him about schools' promotion of homosexuality.
There has been controversy recently over a 'gay fairy tale' aimed at kids just starting school.
I think it's pathetic that left-wing idiots are trying to teach such young kids about this sort of thing- let's face it, most kids probably won't properly learn about relationships and sex education until they're older.
I don't see why kids should be exposed to 'issues' of this kind at such a young age - shouldn't the government be focussing on literacy in this age group?
- Robert Cunningham, Harrow, London, UK
