Labour gay group criticises “fascist” slur
The Labour Campaign for Lesbian and Gay Rights (LCLGR) has condemned a statement made by a pro-life group which accuses “gay fascists” of bullying fire fighters.
LifeLeague an organisation which purports to campaign peacefully against contraception and abortion, drew outrage after criticising the Fire Service’s decision to place ten Glasgow fire-fighters under disciplinary investigation for refusing to participate in a Pride Scotia event.
The group accused “gay fascists” of bullying “our fire heroes.” A statement said “It represents a militant minority’s attempt to impose its agenda upon the will of the majority. During recent decades, gays fought for rights, now they want to deprive others of theirs.”
Katie Hanson, co-chair of LCLGR said: “It is a shame the fire-fighters refused to act according to the policy of their employer and the trade union that represents their interests.
“It is absolutely shameful that groups like LifeLeague are seeking to exploit the issue, defending ignorance and promoting hatred by branding gay rights campaigners as fascists.
“It is true that gay rights campaigners have fought hard over many years for rights, and we will continue to do so. It is not true that we are seeking to take away rights from anybody.
“Equality is not relative – it relies on tolerance for and between all sections of society. This statement from LifeLeague proves there is a long way to go before narrow minds are broadened and the extremism and prejudice that can lead to bullying, oppression and hate crime are things of the past.”
The Cowcaddens fire-fighters had been asked to hand out leaflets at the rally in a publicity exercise but are believed to have refused on moral grounds.
Scottish National Party MSP, Fergus Ewing backed their stance, he told the BBC it was “unbelievable” that they would be in trouble for their private opinions.
The men were reported by their senior officers after the event which took place on June 24 2006.
Organisers of the march said the men were public servants and should be representative.
