Tory gay rights group appalled at appointment of Nicky Morgan as Minister for Women

The Chair of LGBTory says the appointment of Nicky Morgan as Minister for Women, along with departmental changes at the Equalities Office “shows the government in a poor light”.

Colm Howard-Lloyd told PinkNews.co.uk on Wednesday evening: “LGBTory oppose the appointment to Cabinet of anyone who opposed the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act. It was a major piece of equality legislation and one we believe our political leaders should support.”

“We also believe it shows the government in a poor light, to yet again move the Equalities brief. There is plenty of work still to be done, and the implication it is an unwanted portfolio is an insult to those who have held it, to a Prime Minster who led on same-sex marriage and to those who continue to campaign for equality.”

In a government reshuffle on Wednesday, sparked by the resignation of Maria Miller, Ms Morgan was appointed Financial Secretary to the Treasury and also Minister for Women.

She voted against same-sex marriage last year, saying “marriage is between a man and a woman.”

As Minister for Women, Ms Morgan will report directly to Prime Minister David Cameron and not the new Equalities Secretary Conservative MP Sajid Javid.

The joint ministerial portfolio of women and equalities has now been separated.

Unlike Ms Morgan, Mr Javid voted in favour of the same-sex marriage act for England and Wales.

Labour’s Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities Gloria De Piero said Ms Morgan must represent all women, “regardless of sexuality”.

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said: “How can Nicky be an effective and fully inclusive Minister for Women if she doesn’t support the right of lesbian women to marry their partners?”

Downing Street told PinkNews the departmental changes reflected David Cameron’s desire to take a greater interest in women’s policy across government.

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/04/09/tory-gay-rights-group-appalled-at-appointment-of-nicky-morgan-as-minister-for-women/

    .....To be fair though, Tony Blair appointed Ruth Kelly (Opus Dai catholic) to that role, when he was PM.......Could never understand that appointment either.