Oxford Tory students claim they are being ‘persecuted’ after being called ‘haters of gays’
Tory students at Oxford University claim they are being persecuted and are demanding the same equal rights as gay people, those living with a disability and ethnic minorities.
Conservative members of the Junior Common Room (JCR) say they are “often actively isolated, personally attacked and made to feel unwelcome,” because of their political views.
According to the Sunday Times, the students want to create a new position on the college’s equal opportunities committee so they can air Conservative opinions without being victimised.
Members say they were called “haters of gays” and “rape apologists” and were taunted by rival students from other parties as they watched the recent US presidential election in the JCR building.
Third-year student Samuel Roberts, 21, had proposed a motion calling for more protection. He told the Sunday Times: “It made an atmosphere in which I felt uncomfortable.”
While Stephanie Cherrill, the president elect of the Oxford Conservative Association added: “There has been a deterioration in the attitude of several JCR members towards people who are right of centre.
“It is my strong belief that this poses a threat to the atmosphere of intellectual discussion as well as to the welfare of members who may feel victimised.”
The association meets Sunday evenings for “port and policy” talks where fortified wine is readily available.
At one meeting, singer Courtney Love, widow of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, was elected “non executive” officer for rock ‘n’ roll.
