Labour probe after anti-gay Facebook posts were ‘liked’ by city councillor Victims Champion denies homophobia
THE Labour Party is investigating claims that a Birmingham councillor backed homophobic comments suggesting gays and lesbians are not “normal”.
Sharon Thompson, Labour councillor for Soho, “liked” a Facebook comment which said: “Adam and Eve were put on the planet from a higher authority for a reason.
“As parents, we have to do our best to explain normality.”
She also liked a post which said Muslim MPs who voted to legalise same-sex marriage when the law was changed in 2013 had “sold their souls”.
And she liked a post naming Muslim MPs who voted for the change in the law, including Birmingham Ladywood MP Shabana Mahmood – the MP for the Soho ward. This post went on to say: “It’s only going to get worse... the only way is to ensure we – as parents – teach our children what ‘normali- ty’ is because all they’ll be hearing from everywhere else is that homosexuality is perfectly normal.”
The comments which she appears to have endorsed were posted shortly before she was elected to Birmingham City Council in May 2014.
Coun Thompson, who is also the official Victims Champion for Birmingham Community Safety Partnership, said: “I am not homophobic and refute any claims that suggest otherwise. I proudly uphold the aims and values of the Labour Party for equality and fighting prejudice. It’s a serious allegation against me and I hope it is investigated accordingly.”
A West Midlands Labour spokesperson said: “Coun Thompson has made a clear statement outlining her position. The Labour Party treats all allegations of homophobia, intimidation or abuse very seriously. Any evidence of such behaviour will be looked at and action will be taken when relevant.” The spokesperson added: “We don’t comment on individual cases.” The complaint was made to the party by Luke Holland, a Labour member who resigned from a position on the Hall Green Labour Party Executive earlier this year saying he had been discriminated against because of his sexuality. He said: “I’ve reported Sharon to the regional Labour Party and have asked for her suspension immediately. The Labour party holds no place for homophobic views, especially those who agree that gay people are not normal”