Boris' gay gaffes

boriswatch Mon Mar 31, 2008 at 03:13:39 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Boris is back to gaffe making in Saturday’s Independent.  In an interview with Johann Hari, Boris Johnson appears to have started off cringe-making and gone downhill from there in a kind of “how many gaffes can you get in one interview” slide.



After describing himself as a “polymorphous pervert”, when asked about anyone’s potential to be bisexual, he immediately got into hot water on Section 28.  He claimed that the Tory move to ban all “promotion of homosexuality” in the classroom, “was to do with compulsion.”

“Wasn't the question [about] whether or not schools should be compelled to have [these lessons]? I thought the issue was: are you compelling teachers in schools to take a particular line? I'm not in favour of that? There's far too much proscription already of what teachers have to say and do. I'm against bossiness.”

When it was pointed out that that wasn’t the case, Boris is reported to have just resorted to his usual dissimulating.

He then took Hari on a guided tour of suggesting cracking down on gangs to stop teenage gay suicide, forgetting the term “civil partnership” and defending his likening of civil partnerships to a union with a dog.

More evidence, as if it were needed, that if he is elected to most powerful directly elected post in Britain, Boris Johnson risks taking London back and making us a laughing stock around the world.

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Boris' gay gaffes | 27 comments (27 topical)

Re: Boris's multiple gaffes on homosexuality (#1)

by NorthernMonkey on Mon Mar 31, 2008 at 03:50:56 PM GMT

My god. What on earth is wrong with this country?

As I said before, my faith in democracy will be shattered if this man wins.

Just imagine him going to Olympia in 4 years time to represent London at the lighting of the Olympic flame. Just imagine the great sense of national embarrassment of seeing his gormless face amongst all the dignatries. Knowing him he'll probably wrap up half-naked in a Greek toga and set fire to himself with the Olympic torch.

If ever there was a true Mr. Bean politician then Boris Johnson would be it.


Re: Boris's multiple gaffes on homosexuality (#2)

by Prbo on Mon Mar 31, 2008 at 05:40:18 PM GMT

Damn democracy - people just don't know what's good for them

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-mayor/article-23469170-details/Boris+still+has+10-point+lead+ in+race+for+City+Hall/article.do


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris's multiple gaffes on homosexuality (#6)

by NorthernMonkey on Mon Mar 31, 2008 at 10:23:58 PM GMT

Actually, I've changed my mind - he's not Mr. Bean, more like Roy Cropper.


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris's multiple gaffes on homosexuality (#3)

by Letters From A Tory on Mon Mar 31, 2008 at 05:46:34 PM GMT

He's still going to win, and I'm still waiting for anyone to convince me that he is anywhere near as deceitful, arrogant or as devoid of policy ideas as Ken.


Re: Boris's multiple gaffes on homosexuality (#8)

by NorthernMonkey on Tue Apr 01, 2008 at 03:04:51 AM GMT

Are you blind, deaf and dumb?


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris's multiple gaffes on homosexuality (#10)

by Prbo on Tue Apr 01, 2008 at 10:06:08 AM GMT

Lol!  Beautifully argued...

NM, there's a serious point here.  Why do you think support for Boris appears to be quite high?  You guys have been trying the 'it's obvious that he's an upper-class buffoon who wants to eat your children' argument for a while, but nobody seems to care.  Why do you think that is?


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris's multiple gaffes on homosexuality (#4)

by jkitleft on Mon Mar 31, 2008 at 08:44:36 PM GMT

Apologist for Marxist-Leninists and demagoguery, or a philandering, colonialist, can't-construct-a-sentence-in-the-English-Language buffoon.

Despite feeling quite sick about it, I'll support Ken.

I have a note here, I was having a debate with someone earlier about political matters. Someone who comes from a socialist background, and is an incredibly intelligent man, about interventionism, his detatchment from any ideology, liberalism, and the Tories. His argument seems to be, and when I questioned it's subjectivity, he accepted this: he is going to vote for the Tories in the local and national elections. This is because he feels services be pretty much the same under the Tories, as they have planned no different policies, but the taxes will be vaguely lower. He is defecting, because he says he has been betrayed by Labour.

I do feel there is a growing sign of this across the country, in Labour's heartlands particuarly, where the natural constituencies will abandon Labour, or even more worryingly, switch their votes to the Tories. Labour must take note. They must persue more radical politics.


Re: Boris's multiple gaffes on homosexuality (#5)

by EvanPrice on Mon Mar 31, 2008 at 09:37:15 PM GMT

Surprise ... Labour party supporter writes article condemning Tory candidate and reporting 'gaffes' by said 'gaffe-prone' Tory candidate.


Re: Boris's multiple gaffes on homosexuality (#7)

by jkitleft on Mon Mar 31, 2008 at 10:43:57 PM GMT

Here but for two better words: well duh


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris's multiple gaffes on homosexuality (#12)

by redandready on Tue Apr 01, 2008 at 12:33:32 PM GMT

Where is the evidence that 'support for Boris appears to be quite high'?  Whilst Boris de Pfeffel Johnson may indeed be an upper class buffoon, and certainly appears to be anti-gay (and if you think the million odd gay voters in London don't care about that, you are seriously deluding yourselves), but this doesn't cover it, does it?

A Tory Mayor will expost millions of the weakest and poorest Londoners to the extremities of the unfettered free market. His attitude to public transport is 'who cares?'  Let no-one be in any doubt about this, there is a political chasm between Mr Johnson and Ken Livingstone and the difference will be felt by millions of Londoners.

I think Prbo and friends are perhaps a little premature in their predictions for Friday 2nd May and possibly are not as 'In Touch' as they would have us believe!


Re: Boris's multiple gaffes on homosexuality (#17)

by Prbo on Tue Apr 01, 2008 at 12:50:32 PM GMT

Hi, redandready.  The only evidence I was alluding to was recent opinion polls.  Which, as we know, can go up and down.  But, it's interesting that despite the slings and arrows of the left, they don't appear to have dented his support.

"A Tory Mayor will expost millions of the weakest and poorest Londoners to the extremities of the unfettered free market. His attitude to public transport is 'who cares?'  Let no-one be in any doubt about this, there is a political chasm between Mr Johnson and Ken Livingstone and the difference will be felt by millions of Londoners."

I think the word hyperbole comes to mind...You obviously feel strongly, but this is frankly are risible.  'Unfettered free market' - in which areas, precisely, has boris pledged to unleash this evil monster?  For the last eight years, Ken's been reasonably friendly towards the free market as well, hasn't he?  Which is in line with the Labour Government as well, for the most part. 

As for his attitude towards transport, could you point me to some examples of his 'who cares' attitude, and how it differs from Boris'?

I'm not predicting any win on May 1 - I just hope that the obvious and manifold failings of our incumbent are systematically exposed.  I don't claim to be 'in touch' either - I'm just commenting on what appears to be public opinion in London.

The more people on this site scream about Boris, the more it appears you think he's going to win and Ken lose.  Let's just hope it comes to pass.


Re: Boris's multiple gaffes on homosexuality (#18)

by redandready on Tue Apr 01, 2008 at 01:47:37 PM GMT

Apologies for the multiple postings - technical difficulties!  I accept that there can be little concrete evidence on how the Mayoral election is going.  There seems however, to be rather more than a little wishful thinking on the anti-Ken posts as to what they expect the outcome will be.  Er, no I don't believe that Ken has exposed Londoners to 'unfettered free market'.  The congestion charge, which levies a charge disproportionately greater on private transport usage than public transport usage, is not only environmentally friendly to those who work and live in Central London, was opposed by the Tory Party and would never have come to pass if Ken Livingstone wasn't Mayor.  What will happen to this initiative if a Tory is elected on 1st May?

I have never met Boris Johnson, and I have no wish to personally disparage him, but who seriously believes that the Olympics would be coming to this country if Mr Johnson was London Mayor in 2005?

Some may describe phrases such as 'unfettered free market' as hyperbole, but it is still true.  I didn't describe it as an 'evil monster', although anyone who feels that 'infettered free markets' are a benign force in society, has clearly never been on the receiving end of them.

Boris Johnson (and the Tory Party) has carefully avoided making specific committments on further privatisation.  And he has not gone on record as saying that he will end the congestion charge.  I am not going to spend time researching Boris Johnson's statements.  So that's fine - clearly I'm wrong.  The leapord has changed its spots!  There is now no ideological difference between Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone!

Who is screaming about Boris?  This is a LabourHome blogsite!  I'm not making any predictions either, but I think it reasonable for posters on this site to point out the setback for London that a victory for Boris Johnson would represent.

If there is any justice in London Ken Livingstone will be re-elected, will get on with the job of regenerating London for the 21st Century and Mr Johnson can return to Henley.


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris's multiple gaffes on homosexuality (#19)

by Prbo on Tue Apr 01, 2008 at 02:12:04 PM GMT

Thanks for this - I too was having the technical difficulties...!

interesting points, but I notice you still haven't described what you mean by the 'unfettered free market.'  What are you referring to?  If it's just the congestion chrage, then I don't really think scrapping it would reduce London to the status of a third world country and take millions back into poverty.  any chance you could explain your phrase further?

As for screaming, the postings from NorthernMonkey et al are sounding increasingly hysterical.  By claiming that 'millions of londoners are going to be exposed to the unfettered free market' - it really seems as though you're stuck in the 1970s and 80s.


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris's multiple gaffes on homosexuality (#22)

by redandready on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 06:56:52 PM GMT

It's probably my fault, but I must have conveyed the impression that I am opposed to market forces.  This is certainly not the case, and your assertion that I am living in the 70s or 80s has stung!  Being far more New Labour than Old Labour, I accept the point that both Mayor livingstone and the Labour government have introduced market forces across a whole range of public services.  I support their actions in doing so.  Public services in this country need to be modernised to take account of the real world, whilst continuing to improve their efficiency and delivery.

I think the key word though is 'unfettered'.  Since Boris Johnson is basically Margaret Thatcher in a suit, giving him the largest direct mandate in the country would strike a blow against the many people in the City who depend on the services being provided.  And working with a national Labour government, a Labour Mayor is better placed to ensure the proper provision of those services whilst maintaining value for money (no I haven't read this out of a manifesto).


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris's multiple gaffes on homosexuality (#24)

by Prbo on Thu Apr 03, 2008 at 09:34:25 AM GMT

Glad to hear it!  Agree very much with the first para.  However, it seems to me you still haven't enlightened me how Boris would unleash unfettered market forces.  You say he's Thatcher in a suit.  Which policies are you referring to?  You say it would strike a blow against people in the city - in what way, specifically?  All clues gratefull received... 


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris's multiple gaffes on homosexuality (#31)

by davidrowntree on Sun Apr 06, 2008 at 05:02:51 PM GMT

[I've deleted the multiple postings - ed]


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris's multiple gaffes on homosexuality (#32)

by Group51 on Mon Apr 14, 2008 at 12:49:53 AM GMT

"What will happen to this initiative if a Tory is elected on 1st May?"

It will be reduced in scope (area) and will wither on the vine, the charge will probably be lowered and/or conditions relaxed.  

Boris is not that dissimilar to Paddick in this regard.


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris' gay gaffes (#20)

by Letters From A Tory on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 05:39:36 PM GMT

"I have never met Boris Johnson, and I have no wish to personally disparage him, but who seriously believes that the Olympics would be coming to this country if Mr Johnson was London Mayor in 2005?"

I think you'll find that Sebastian Coe and even Tony Blair had more to do with the successful Olympic bid than Ken Livingstone.  In fact, the Mayor has nothing to do with the Olympics committee whatsoever.


Re: Boris' gay gaffes (#21)

by redandready on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 06:41:46 PM GMT

Good grief, have things got so boring over at conservativehome that the Tories need to come on here for a proper argument?

I repeat my statement 'who seriously believes that the olympics would be coming to this country if Mr Johnson was London Mayor in 2005?'

Actually, as I recall at the Labour Party Conference 2005, both Sebastian Coe and Tony blair were very complimentary of the Mayor's involvement!


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris' gay gaffes (#25)

by Prbo on Thu Apr 03, 2008 at 09:36:02 AM GMT

This may be so Redandready, but if one takes the view that most compelling argument against Boris becoming Mayor is that 'he might not look too good at the Olympics' then I think he's won the arguments hands down.  I know NorthernMonkey appears to be wetting himself over this prospect, but I'm sure you're much more levelheaded.


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris' gay gaffes (#26)

by NorthernMonkey on Thu Apr 03, 2008 at 03:44:17 PM GMT

Boris at the Olympics is just the tip of the iceberg. He'd still be a 24 hour embarrassment the rest of the time too.


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris' gay gaffes (#27)

by Prbo on Thu Apr 03, 2008 at 03:49:29 PM GMT

Of course you're entitled to your opinion NM, but I don't think Livingstone can necessarily be held up as a shining example to the world. 

Someone who welcomes Islamic extremist who condone murder of innocents and homosexuals, and compares the Tianaman Square massacre to the Poll Tax Riots should be considered nothing short of reprehensible, and totally unrepresentative of the city which he purports to lead.

Would you agree?


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris' gay gaffes (#28)

by NorthernMonkey on Fri Apr 04, 2008 at 12:10:47 AM GMT

Ken does say and do some silly things at time, I agree. But they tend to be things that have no real effect on Londoners' lives. Ken thinks that by meeting with these figures, he's reaching out to communities rather than isolating them. My opinion is that giving them a platform and appearing friendly with them is not wise.

But when Ken's on an international stage (like when we won the Olympics bid and after 7/7) he comes across very well. I don't think Boris does (see Governor Schwarzenegger's comments at the Tory conference after listening to him for just 5 minutes).


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris' gay gaffes (#29)

by Prbo on Fri Apr 04, 2008 at 01:45:33 PM GMT

Thanks NM, that's helpful.  You won't be surprised to hear that I disagree.  On the very subjects which Ken claims to care passionately about, e.g. gay rights, his consorting with Islamic extremists makes a complete mockery of his claims.  I think it does have an influence on Londoners' lives, in that his international image is of someone who tolerates extremists and plays down acts of murder.  His relationship with Chavez is frankly repugnant too - what I don't understand is Ken's habit of commenting on global issues in other countries which have no bearing on the lives of Londoners, yet he feels the need to let the world know what he thinks - at london ratepayers expense.


I know you're going to disagree so I think we should spare each other the virtual ink, but I hope you at least see my point.  Boris of course has many flaws, as does everyone.  I simply think that by his own standards Ken is contradictory at best, flagrantly hypocritical at worst.


And finally...do you live in London?


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris' gay gaffes (#30)

by NorthernMonkey on Fri Apr 04, 2008 at 06:36:43 PM GMT

Ok, I understand and respect your views on the situation.

I don't live in London at this exact moment, but I do live there from time to time for work purposes. I could be registered there if I wish but will probably stay registered here in the North.


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris' gay gaffes (#33)

by Group51 on Mon Apr 14, 2008 at 01:00:03 AM GMT

"His relationship with Chavez is frankly repugnant too"

I don't tend to find the idea of fairly democratically elected politicians repugnant.  I also think it is grasping at straws to think that Ken is anti-gay or anti-diversity.  He has said that he didn't know much about that cleric before meeting him, other than he was a noted moderate and thus shouldn't have attacked Tatchell for attacking him.  I also think it is deliberately ignorant to think that the world therfore thinks London is an intolerant city.  Quite the opposite is the case because of the image of London Ken has promoted.

The Mayor of Paris took part in the protest on Tibet, so I don't think the idea of the Mayor not commenting on Global issues hold much water either.

Lastly, the point about the Olympics isn't about who would look best representing London at the opening ceremony.  That is NOT why Ken got London to bid for the games.  He bid to get the money to regenerate east London.

For me, that alone is reason enough why Ken is a better candidate than the celebrities - a higher vision for the city.


[ Parent ]

Re: Boris' gay gaffes (#23)

by NorthernMonkey on Thu Apr 03, 2008 at 01:41:27 AM GMT

Ken had a huge impact in London's Olympic bid.

Remember he was meeting IOC delegates in Singapore before the decision was taken (as was Blair). And it was from Singapore where he made his excellent emotional speech after the 7/7 bombings.


[ Parent ]

Boris' gay gaffes | 27 comments (27 topical)