Gay couple outraged after local road named ‘Bangays Way’
A married gay couple have complained about the ‘homophobic’ name of a new road – because it’s called Bangays Way.
The road, which is part of a new development in Borough Green in Kent, was named in tribute to local councillor Frank Bangay, who died in 1999.
However, one couple who asked not to be named are outraged at the name – which they believe is a statement about banning homosexuals due to the addition of an ‘s’.
They told the Telegraph: “My husband and I went to look round the new development. Having got over the initial humour, we reflected that this street name was actually pretty offensive.
“Somehow seeing it on the sign made it look even worse. We are pretty sure the sign will be subject to frequent vandalism and possible theft.
“Apparently Frank Bangay was a local historian. Many local roads are named after local families. But only in one instance did an ‘s’ get tacked on the end.
“I have contacted our new MP Tom Tugendhat who seems to agree with me and is approaching the council to see if it can be changed to Frank Bangay Way, which at least makes it clear it is a name not a statement of opinion.”
Newly-elected MP Tom Tugendhat told the newspaper: “His complaint is not without merit, so I am perfectly happy to support him.”
However, the Bangay family are not impressed.
Frank Bangay’s daughter, Marian Smith, said: “Our surname has been researched back to the 16th Century by a relative. I too feel that if the couple who are so afraid of what people think that they make an issue could well find themselves in litigation.
“We are all very proud of our surname and both of my parents were very prominent in the village for many, many years and did so much for the village.”
Gay couple outraged over ‘homophobic’ road named Bangays Way https://t.co/9RO6XdrTJa pic.twitter.com/82m4yyCIOC
— ITV News London (@itvlondon) May 14, 2015
