Sandi Toksvig: Nicky Morgan is in charge of equality, but not quite for everybody

Jul 19 2014
Written by Nick Duffy

Comedian Sandi Toksvig has ridiculed the appointment of Nicky Morgan – who voted against same-sex marriage – as equalities minister.

On Tuesday, David Cameron appointed Nicky Morgan as the new Education Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities.

As the Loughborough MP voted against same-sex marriage last year, openly gay junior Conservative minister Nick Boles has been given specific responsibilities for same-sex marriage and LGBT equality

Speaking on Radio 4’s News Quiz, Toksvig joked: “She’s still equalities minister but somebody else is dealing with same-sex marriage.

“She’s absolutely in charge of equality… but not quite for everybody.”

The Danish comedian entered into a civil partnership with wife Debbie in 2007, but has to wait until later this year to convert their partnership into a marriage.

Earlier this year, Nicky Morgan told a constituent that he was a “typical man”, when he asked about her stance opposing same-sex marriage.

Mrs Morgan sent the email to constituent Gary Chadwick back in April, who is in a civil partnership, and who questioned how she could work as Minister for Women whilst opposing same-sex marriage.

Mr Chadwick, a solicitor, wrote: “As Minister for Women, charged with promoting equality for all women regardless of their sexuality, can you please explain to me how your new job is compatible with your strident opposition to gay marriage, which as you have said many times before ‘can only be between a man and a woman'”.

To which Mrs Morgan responded: “Your e-mail is typical from a man so I suggest you watch what I do in the role and you will see for yourself.”