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Openly gay Tory MP Mike Freer criticizes “toxic” debates over LGBTQ+ issues
Openly gay Conservative MP Mike Freer has called on his own party to end “toxic” debates over LGBTQ+ issues, stating that human rights are “not debatable”.
Reflecting on his campaign for equal marriage
In an interview with PoliticsHome, the 63-year-old former equalities minister spoke about campaigning for equal marriage in the UK 10 years ago. He expressed his desire for LGBTQ+ rights to no longer be a “debate”.
Championing human rights
“We shouldn’t be debating women’s rights, we shouldn’t be debating inequalities in health outcomes, whether it’s for women, or for LGBTQ+ people,” Freer told the outlet. He emphasized that human rights should not be up for debate.
Concerns over the government’s focus on trans debate
In early 2023, GB News presenter and Tory party deputy chair Lee Anderson stated that the government would fight the next general election on “a mix of culture wars and trans debate”. Freer expressed his discomfort with the current discussion of trans rights, comparing it to the homophobic rhetoric of the 1970s and ‘80s.
Improving healthcare for trans people and banning conversion therapy
Freer advocated for improved healthcare for trans people and their inclusion in the long-awaited ban on conversion therapy. While he acknowledged that the legislation on conversion therapy may not be perfect initially, he favored a piece of legislation that addresses most issues rather than waiting for perfection.
Acknowledging the gradual progress on LGBTQ+ rights
Freer acknowledged that progress on LGBTQ+ rights takes time, comparing it to the legalization of same-sex marriage, which did not happen overnight. He stressed the need to work with the grain and understand how to push for change without eliciting a strong negative reaction.
The human cost of opposition
He highlighted the importance of humanizing social change issues in parliament, mentioning how the words spoken in the House of Commons can have a far-reaching impact. He mentioned the hurt caused by some colleagues’ comments during the debate on same-sex marriage.
Future steps for the Tory party
Freer acknowledged the progressive changes the Tory party has overseen, such as extending HPV vaccines to gay and bisexual men and boys. He mentioned addressing IVF inequality for lesbian couples as the party’s next steps, particularly after a lesbian couple sued the NHS for unequal IVF access.
