Senior Lib Dem ‘disappointed’ that anti-gay marriage Nicky Morgan is now equalities minister
PinkNews Exclusive
Lib Dem peer Baroness Barker has criticised the appointment of Tory MP Nicky Morgan as the new minister for women and equalities, saying it is “disappointing” because she voted against same-sex marriage.
On Tuesday, David Cameron appointed Nicky Morgan as the new Education Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities.
She is now responsible for schools and the government’s overall strategy on equality. The MP voted against same-sex marriage last year.
Speaking to PinkNews, Baroness Barker said: “It is good to see equalities firmly within education, but it is disappointing that the Conservatives appointed another Minister who opposed same sex marriage.”
Downing Street has defended the appointment of Mrs Morgan, saying as she is also the Education Secretary, she will be responsible for tackling issues such as homophobic bullying in schools.
Many have questioned her appointment, however, as Mrs Morgan, elected to Parliament in 2010, voted against the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act at second and third reading last year, stating that “marriage is between a man and a woman.”
Former Labour MEP Michael Cashman and shadow minister for women and equalities Gloria De Piero yesterday expressed disappointment at Mrs Morgan’s appointment.
