BBC’S LGBT staff in row over tweeting about ‘political issues’

THE BBC has ignited a row with LGBT staff after they were told to stop tweeting “political views” in the wake of a controversial Question Time debate.

It is understood that the internal LGBT group at the BBC is to confront Kamal Ahmed, the editorial director, and Richard Burgess, UK news editor, after the organisation was accused by staff of “legitimising homophobia”.

A source within the group said senior staff’s response to the controversy had been “inadequate” and they “don’t seem to get it.” Members of BBC staff were angered to see the Question Time Twitter account ask: “Is it morally right for five-year-old children to learn about LGBT issues in school?”

Ben Thompson, the Breakfast presenter, replied: “LGBT ‘issues’? Like what? That we exist? One of them, right here, is on your TV every morning. I held back on this, hoping it was clumsy writing, done in haste. But it’s still online. Would you ask if it’s ‘morally right’ to learn about gender/race/religion/disability ‘issues’?”

It is understood Mr Thompson was privately rebuked by managers, and a subsequent email from Fran Unsworth, the head of news, has asked staff to stop tweeting criticism of the BBC or opining on “political issues”.

The letter reads: “We all have personal views, but it is part of our role with the BBC to keep those views private,” and threatens “appropriate action” if staff members are found to have broken the social media guidelines.

Mr Thompson has since “pinned” the tweet he was reportedly rebuked for sending to his Twitter profile page, making it more prominent.