Speculation over ministers’ sexuality has recently filled the
media.
DAVID ALLISON - OutRage
’Yes, I think they should in that sexuality is an issue at the
moment.
The more open they are about it the more they represent a role model for
other people. Being openly gay does not damage your parliamentary
career.
People judge you on the job you do. Heterosexual MPs make no secret of
their sexuality - they even use photos of their wives and children in
party literature.’
JACK IRVINE - Media House International
’It’s their own business and if they don’t frighten the horses why
worry. However, if they lie to their partners or spend their evenings
cruising for action then we as their paymasters have a right to know and
the press have a right, and a duty, to expose them. If people are rats
in their private life they’ll have little compunction about being rats
in their public life.’
DAVID HUDSON - Boyz Magazine
’Someone’s sexuality is irrelevant to the job they hold and I’m sure
many use this as an excuse to ’stay in the closet’. However, I think gay
MPs should be open about their sexuality. Attitudes have changed and the
general public are much more accepting of alternative lifestyles. I
think they actually have more respect for a politician that they feel is
honest, as opposed to one that they find out has been hiding something
from them.’
PATRICK ROBERTSON - Robertson and Associates
’The problem with Ron Davies type scandals is that they could involve
him and the Government in blackmail and having tried to cover up the
Davies affair, less people are likely to believe the Government’s
version of Nick Brown’s outing. The Government’s lack of honesty at the
outset will make life more difficult for every homosexual in the
Government.’
KEVIN REDFERN - Slam
’It should be entirely left with the minister. One should be open in the
arenas one desires. But when being open at work requires being open in
the wider public arena, the issues become more complex. Some people are
fortunate. Their families couldn’t be more supportive. Everyone should
be open about who they are, but if honesty equates to the loss of loved
ones, who are we to judge?’
