Polish MEP and leader of Tories’ new group ‘called gays fags’
Footage has emerged of Polish Law and Justice Party MEP and the leader of the Tories’ new bloc in Europe calling gay people “fags” in an interview in 2000.
Earlier this week, a Tory MEP was expelled from the grouping in the European Parliament for standing against Michal Kaminski, the official vice-president candidate.
Edward McMillan-Scott, the longest-standing Conservative MEP, told PinkNews.co.uk yesterday that the party’s record on gay rights was “part of the picture” of why he defied orders.
He also told theparliament.com that the Polish party had links to the BNP through the European National Front.
Kaminksi denied being homophobic in a BBC interview on Wednesday, saying: “I’m opposing the so-called marriages for the homosexual couples but I have a deep respect for the people with a homosexual way of life. You can never find anything I said in my past against the homosexuals.”
However, BBC Radio 4’s PM programme last night broadcast audio of a television interview in July 2000 which shows him using a Polish term which is translated to mean “fag” or “queer”.
The subject of the interview is not clear, but Kaminski is thought to be discussing gay rights activists supporting something.
He said: “The association of fags unequivocally support this.”
The interviewer asks: “What term did you use?”
Kaminski replies: “The assocation of fags.”
The interviewer then says: “Don’t you think that’s offensive?”
Kaminski says: “That’s how people speak. What should I say? They are fags.”
He would not respond to requests for comment.
The Polish Law and Justice Party has been accused of homophobia, antisemitism and racism.
One of its MEPs, Konrad Szymanskitold, said earlier this month: “Law and Justice has a clear stand on this issue – we are against both homosexual marriages and the adoption of children by gays and lesbians. That is how our Euro MEPs will always vote.”
