Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Tory MP quits after ‘gays are dangerous’ slur
A TORY MP has quit after telling students “homosexuality is wrong and dangerous”.
During a college visit, Isle of Wight MP Andrew Turner was asked if he would attend the island’s first Pride event, due in July. Esther Poucher, 16, who asked the question, told the Mirror: “He said, ‘No, homosexuality is wrong and a danger to society’.” Later the MP said in a statement he would not contest the election in June. Esther walked out of the classroom in anger at Christ the King College in island capital Newport after Mr Turner, 63, made his remarks. But the politics student, who had researched the MP’S voting record, added: “I wasn’t surprised. We know his voting record on LGBT rights and he voted against gay marriage but I wasn’t expecting him to tell us why he wouldn’t go.” She added: “It’s upsetting because he’s someone who represents our island. That’s not what we think. We’re not that hateful here.” Mr Turner said later: “After 16 years it is time for a new generation to take up the mantle of representing my fantastic constituency.” A Tory party insider said Mr Turner “jumped before he was pushed”. Pride said: “Any person who makes such a statement in a public forum as our MP is dangerous. “Suicide among LGBT young people is still disproportionately high. Mr Turner did not know if anyone in the room was struggling with sexuality or gender.” In 2015 Mr Turner moved out of his home to let his partner of 17 years live with his close advisor. In 2009, he claimed £100,000 expenses designating the couple’s house on the island as his “second home”.