Tory politician labelled ‘bully’ after claiming gay culture is forced on him
A Tory politician has been labelled a “homophobe” and “bully” after comments regarding gay Jews.
Anthony Spencer allegedly wrote a letter to the Jewish News in January 2015, in which he described himself as a traditional Jew and gay people as having “unorthodox practices”.
He subsequently compared opponents to Stasi, the German secret police, according to reports.
Cllr Spencer, a local representative in Hertsmere Borough, Hertfordshire, was confronted following a council meeting.
In a letter to the paper titled “Don’t force gay culture on us all”, he wrote that gay Jews should not be welcome in Orthodox Sinagogues, according to the Borehamwood and Elstree Times.
When confronted with the comments – made prior to being elected – the Conservative party official said: “You people are behaving like the Stasi”.
He’s also alleged to have shared a Facebook post by far right group Britain First, calling for people who burn the Union flag to be deported.
Cllr Vince, a Labour councillor in the borough, said: “I feel his views and compared with the Stasi is offensive.”
She also said of the altercation: “What a night. Council full of bullies”.
Two councillors have now lodged official complaints with the council and the Conservative Party.
One resident, Evelyn Conboy, wrote on Facebook: “How can he represent the gay members of the Shenley and Hertfordshire community if these are his true feelings.
“This kind of attitude sets us back when he should in fact be supporting education and bringing us forward as a more tolerant society.”
Responding to the accusations, Cllr Spencer told the Borehamwood Times: “Perhaps the word Stasi was the wrong terminology to use but it does seem relevant when someone asks a question that is a waste of time”.
He added: “The homophobic comments are quite unfair and unjust.
“I have nothing against the gay community.”
PinkNews has approached Cllr Spencer for comment.
