How the news broke yesterday
Yesterday in this column I wrote how I thought Simon Hughes had given a strong performance on Wednesday's Question Time. My view was that he had given "unequivocal answers to direct questions". Now, in relation to questions about his sexuality, he has been heavily criticised for doing the opposite, writes Jody Dunn.
Like most of the people who posted comments on this issue yesterday, I couldn't care less about Simon's sexuality. Whether he (or any other politician) is gay, straight or bisexual is a complete irrelevance, and nothing to do with being a good politician.
The only issue of any importance is whether a politician has been either hypocritical or knowingly dishonest. Simon cannot be accused of hypocrisy, having always advocated and campaigned for equality, but I do feel sad that until now he has felt unable to be honest about his sexuality. What is clear is that Simon obviously felt this was an intensely private issue and would have preferred not to have had to discuss it at all.
I deplore homophobia of any description; not an iota less if it emanates from the party I myself belong to. The way in which the Bermondsey byelection campaign was reportedly conducted against Peter Tatchell, with slogans such as "the straight choice" was, in my view, indefensible. Thankfully that election took place over 20 years ago, and I hope that tactics such as those will never be used again.
I belong to a party that is accepting of all people regardless of their sexual orientation. As a party we denounce bigotry and prejudice, but the very fact that certain individuals still feel compelled to deny their sexuality must mean that we still have a long way to go.
Until we live in a truly accepting society, perhaps we should not be too quick to condemn those who hesitate to talk openly about their own sexual preferences. It is easy to be angry when someone is dishonest, but perhaps we should try and remember why announcing your sexuality to the world is not always as easy as it might sound. For my part, I await the day when a person's sexuality is not seen as interesting enough to matter anymore; and the sooner we reach that particular day, the better.
* Jody Dunn was the Liberal Democrat candidate for Hartlepool at last year's general election
