political commentator * author * publisher * bookseller * radio presenter * blogger * Conservative candidate * former lobbyist * Jack Russell owner * West Ham United fanatic * Email iain AT iaindale DOT com
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Questions for Peter Tatchell
At 9pm this evening on 18 Doughty Street I will be interviewing Peter Tatchell. Any questions you want me to ask him? The comments section awaits...
you could ask Tatchell if he felt comfortable sharing a flatform with crypto-facists the Freeedom Assosociation at last year's March For Free Expression
In writing after the passing of the 1967 sexual offences bill, one of its proposers, Lord Arran, wrote,
"I ask those [homosexuals] to show their thanks by comporting themselves quietly and with dignity… any form of ostentatious behaviour now or in the future or any form of public flaunting would be utterly distasteful…"
Did Peter Tatchell miss this piece of advice?
Secondly: Is it not the case that political correctness, including so called gay rights is not a struggle for equality at all but merely the battle for top position in a pyramid of conflicting and equally valid issues?
Why for example, isn't Christian or Muslim belief deemed to be just as valid, including its conflict with homosexuality, and that those who hold those views have their own rights, including discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation if it is an issue of faith?
Thirdly, without Peter Tatchell, the debate would have been somewhat impoverished. He is to be applauded for his tireless adherence to a cause, however much I or others disagree with him. - He should get a medal for trying to arrest Mugabe.
Stonewall were also behind the survey of gay friendly employers which placed Labour Manchester and GLA best among local authorities (3rd overall) and Labour Brighton and Hove third (8th overall). You could ask him about that too.
I would also love to hear about the Bermondsey/Rotherhithe campaign: including "Which queen are you voting for?" OWTTE leaflets when both his opponent Simon Hughes and the man responsible for this line were themselves gay. Peter has it seems forgiven Simon but I'm not sure that was the best choice myself.
Finally, the tales of Lib Dem diversity chaos and back-sliding could also make a good talking point.
1. Does Peter still think it OK to "out" celebrities (and others) who are gay, but choose to keep their sexuality private? 2. Doesn't he think that some of his "outrage" actions in the past have been a gross violation of an individuals privacy? 3. Will he consider going on Celebrity Big Brother? 4. Peter is a well known opponent of the Iraq war - does he support Pres Bush's actions to re-inforce his troops? If not (highly likely) what strategy does he suggest that doesn't hand Iraq over to a cabal of Islamist terrorists, gay-haters and murderers and medieval torturers?
Will some form of accommodation have to be reached on human rights and gay rights with the three Abrahamic religions, given that imposing views on them is going to be impossible ?
If not, how will refusal of requests for 'Shariah' law or 'Conscience clauses' be managed in an increasingly multicultural society ?
How can 'freedom of expression' be guaranteed in a society where the secular views of many are in conflict with the religious views of significant minority faith groups?
If he was offered a 'deal' by the pharmaceutical industry whereby they would limit 'animal testing' to the rodents, and stop experimenting on primates, would he take it ?
Or would he allow the 'perfect to be the enemy of the possible' ?
In this post-empire world, does the British Commonwealth still have a role in 'global governance' ? If so, what should that role be, and how should it be enforced ?
Does he still believe in lowering the age of consent de jure to 14; or even de facto to nine (as advocated in a letter to the Guardian about 10 years ago)? If so, why? If not, why not (because, in his case, it matters)?
I want to know how you gay blokes manage to keep looking so youthful. Cant just be plenty of moisturiser, I tried that for a week and my face ended up looking like the crust on an uncooked Frey Bentos Pie.
Can you ask him what he thinks about the EU. Just for a laugh, no other person in public life appears to want to talk about it so any comments greatly appreciated.
Much the most interesting and useful thing Tatchell ever did was attempt to perform a citizens' arrest on that evil monster Robert Mugabe during a visit to the UK a few years' back.
I would be tempted to ask him whether he now wishes that instead of beating about the bush and arresting him, he'd simply assassinated the bugger.
Pedant "this awful man" may be slightly obsessive and bonkers but he has heart, dont forget he tried to arrest Mugabe and got a kicking for his trouble. All he asks is for gay people to be treated in the same way as heterosexuals, he looses me when he says that gays need to be able to fuck in public parks as it is part of their culture, Bullshit! Anybody who does that should be done for public indecency gay or straight.
Does he now regard gay rights as being safe in the hands of the Tory leadership, with abuses such as Section 28 being a thing of the past, and therefore accept that being gay and voting Conservative are no longer at odds with one another?
Is Mr. Tatchell as much oppoosed to the gay rights movement forcable imposing their morality on Christians, Jews and Muslims through political correctness as much he is as opposed to members of those three faiths imposing their dogma on homosexuals?
Peter Hitchens. You are condemmed by your own words. He does not just ask for gay people to be treated equally. As you, yourself, say, he is always making an issue of how gay people should be allowed to express their sexuality, even if it means causing offence to other, reasonable people including, apparantly, you. That is what I find awful.
You could ask him if he had been elected as MP for Bermondsey instead of Simon Hughes, how he could have served the interests of the people of Bermondsey better than Hughes. (As opposed to serving the interests of various pressure groups)
1) You appeared on Peter Hitchens' programme 'Stealing your Liberty' and defended a couple who had been interviewed by police about publishing a negative pamphlet about gay folks.
Did you feel that a principles (i.e. liberty, freedom of expression) interfered with your politics (gays being free from oppression).
He has openly criticised the Catholic church for their views on contraception, in particular the third world. I have been led to believe that many men refuse to wear condoms which whatever your religious beliefs is the real culprit of the continued problems. The problem is one of promiscuity in an area where aids is rife, it tends to be on the part of one partner usually the man and that women already suffer terrible injustices in some countries as 2nd class citizens where the Catholic church's doctrine is not followed closely. Should we not be focussing on the way that women are perceived and treated in the third world, rather than criticising long held beliefs from a religion which aims to protect women and treats them with respect as equals. And does he accept also that many from the Catholic church work tirelessly to help and aid the people in that region.
Pedant He is a Human being and like the rest of us full of contradictions. To me he appears to be a decent man who thinks that people should be able to do what they like as long as it doesnt cause harm to others and unlike most of us is prepared to stand up and do something about it. Im not a Gay man , I just admire his balls (+: Seriously, we , need more Peter Tatchells men/women of conviction .
"Show our thanks"?!! Are we the Bob Cratchits of British society- still!
You make me laugh with your supposed worry over the "rights" of islamists and little-minded "christians" to discriminate. If they are really so concerned, don't open a business serving the public- simple as that.
I never thought I'd say it, but thank feck for Europe- the only thing pulling this country, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century.
My question for Peter:-
The mid to late 90s was the high water mark for lesbian and gay rights- (why Iain, like me, likes "this life" so much as it captured that time) many of us thought the war was over.
How do you propose to engage and politicise (pass the torch) to the new generation?
Anonymous 2:28 - "Multicultural society" has gone the way of the dodo. Muslims are going to have to fit in to the society which allowed them in the door, or go somewhere they feel more comfortable.
Like others, I admire Peter Tatchell for his bravery in trying to arrest the Mugabe creature. He knew he would be severely beaten up, but he steeled himself and did it anyway. I like some of what he stands for,but not everything. But the man certainly does not lack for courage.
I understand his current party is the Green Party.
ReplyDeleteI would ask him if he thinks they have much of a future, since green issues are no longer marginal, and the main parties are fighting to go green.
UKIP are realising a single issue doesn't sell. The Greens still feel like a pressure group.
Do you still believe that Russell Square in central London should be an "official cruising ground" for gay men, as you said in The Pink Paper in 2001?
ReplyDeletevictory is sweet
ReplyDeletewe won, you lost, nuff said
you could ask Tatchell if he felt comfortable sharing a flatform with crypto-facists the Freeedom Assosociation at last year's March For Free Expression
In writing after the passing of the 1967 sexual offences bill, one of its proposers, Lord Arran, wrote,
ReplyDelete"I ask those [homosexuals] to show their thanks by comporting themselves quietly and with dignity… any form of ostentatious behaviour now or in the future or any form of public flaunting would be utterly distasteful…"
Did Peter Tatchell miss this piece of advice?
Secondly:
Is it not the case that political correctness, including so called gay rights is not a struggle for equality at all but merely the battle for top position in a pyramid of conflicting and equally valid issues?
Why for example, isn't Christian or Muslim belief deemed to be just as valid, including its conflict with homosexuality, and that those who hold those views have their own rights, including discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation if it is an issue of faith?
Thirdly, without Peter Tatchell, the debate would have been somewhat impoverished. He is to be applauded for his tireless adherence to a cause, however much I or others disagree with him. - He should get a medal for trying to arrest Mugabe.
Can I suggest you ask Peter who has I think campaigned for Lib Demmery at times since his Labour days about the lead story here about Danny Alexander MP.
ReplyDeleteStonewall were also behind the survey of gay friendly employers which placed Labour Manchester and GLA best among local authorities (3rd overall) and Labour Brighton and Hove third (8th overall). You could ask him about that too.
I would also love to hear about the Bermondsey/Rotherhithe campaign: including "Which queen are you voting for?" OWTTE leaflets when both his opponent Simon Hughes and the man responsible for this line were themselves gay. Peter has it seems forgiven Simon but I'm not sure that was the best choice myself.
Finally, the tales of Lib Dem diversity chaos and back-sliding could also make a good talking point.
Does he believe that the gov't has made the case for 90 days detention for terrorist suspects? And if so, how?
ReplyDeleteDoes he regret that fact that he is not Father of the House?
Why has he never held ministerial office?
1. Does Peter still think it OK to "out" celebrities (and others) who are gay, but choose to keep their sexuality private?
ReplyDelete2. Doesn't he think that some of his "outrage" actions in the past have been a gross violation of an individuals privacy?
3. Will he consider going on Celebrity Big Brother?
4. Peter is a well known opponent of the Iraq war - does he support Pres Bush's actions to re-inforce his troops? If not (highly likely) what strategy does he suggest that doesn't hand Iraq over to a cabal of Islamist terrorists, gay-haters and murderers and medieval torturers?
what next for Gay rights campaigning?
ReplyDeleteSurely most of the key objectives are he worked so hard for are obtained?
At what point do you stop campaigning; or are their always going to be new infringements to be searched for?
Oh please ask him about Simon Hughes and his alleged new partner and the whole Lib Dem Problem you are aware of .
ReplyDeleteHow did he feel about the liar running as the straight candidate in the famously bitter Bermondsey By election and what does he think of him now
Go on Iain stir it up a bit . Lets lower the level of debate ...
Will some form of accommodation have to be reached on human rights and gay rights with the three Abrahamic religions, given that imposing views on them is going to be impossible ?
ReplyDeleteIf not, how will refusal of requests for 'Shariah' law or 'Conscience clauses' be managed in an increasingly multicultural society ?
How can 'freedom of expression' be guaranteed in a society where the secular views of many are in conflict with the religious views of significant minority faith groups?
Should the UK move down the American road, and have a separation between Church and State ?
ReplyDeleteShould Prince Charles become 'Fidei Defensor' [Defender of THE Faith] or a Defender of [all] Faith ?
Why would anyone want to ask this awful man anything? He manages to bring disharmony wherever he goes.
ReplyDeleteIf he was offered a 'deal' by the pharmaceutical industry whereby they would limit 'animal testing' to the rodents, and stop experimenting on primates, would he take it ?
ReplyDeleteOr would he allow the 'perfect to be the enemy of the possible' ?
Oh the new compulsory gayness legislation obviosly
ReplyDeleteAsk him if the ONS has bent over like a school boy in the head masters office by accepting Gordon Brown's third-world-goods inflation model.
ReplyDeleteGordon Brown - more a statistical mirage than an economic miracle.
Not for publication
ReplyDeleteI have now blogged the Blunkett Cash story here.
On the Iraq/sharia question above: Whatever happens next our invasion of Iraq will have itself contributed to rather than contained this pickle.
ReplyDeleteIn this post-empire world, does the British Commonwealth still have a role in 'global governance' ? If so, what should that role be, and how should it be enforced ?
ReplyDeleteDoes he still believe in lowering the age of consent de jure to 14; or even de facto to nine (as advocated in a letter to the Guardian about 10 years ago)? If so, why? If not, why not (because, in his case, it matters)?
ReplyDeleteDoes he think Australia might have a better quality of life and that sensible people would return there ?
ReplyDeleteI want to know how you gay blokes manage to keep looking so youthful.
ReplyDeleteCant just be plenty of moisturiser, I tried that for a week and my face ended up looking like the crust on an uncooked Frey Bentos Pie.
Can you ask him what he thinks about the EU. Just for a laugh, no other person in public life appears to want to talk about it so any comments greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteMuch the most interesting and useful thing Tatchell ever did was attempt to perform a citizens' arrest on that evil monster Robert Mugabe during a visit to the UK a few years' back.
ReplyDeleteI would be tempted to ask him whether he now wishes that instead of beating about the bush and arresting him, he'd simply assassinated the bugger.
Pedant
ReplyDelete"this awful man" may be slightly obsessive and bonkers but he has heart, dont forget he tried to arrest Mugabe and got a kicking for his trouble.
All he asks is for gay people to be treated in the same way as heterosexuals, he looses me when he says that gays need to be able to fuck in public parks as it is part of their culture, Bullshit!
Anybody who does that should be done for public indecency gay or straight.
How many comments/questions have you not published because they were just plainly offensive?
ReplyDeleteSo, whos has the anonymous at 1.59 confused Tatchell with? Peter Tapsell?
ReplyDeleteDo you think Simon Hughes would make for a bettere Lib Dem leader than Sir Ming?
ReplyDeleteDoes he now regard gay rights as being safe in the hands of the Tory leadership, with abuses such as Section 28 being a thing of the past, and therefore accept that being gay and voting Conservative are no longer at odds with one another?
ReplyDelete"When did you first feel confident you knew Simon hughes' true orientation?"
ReplyDeleteIs Mr. Tatchell as much oppoosed to the gay rights movement forcable imposing their morality on Christians, Jews and Muslims through political correctness as much he is as opposed to members of those three faiths imposing their dogma on homosexuals?
ReplyDeleteIf not, then he is a hypocrite!
Politics is often said to be the art of compromise. Is that why you have never been elected as an MP?
ReplyDeleteWhat do you believe the age of consent should be?*
ReplyDelete* Last time he was asked I seem to remember the answer was "14"
c4 - It would help Iain a lot if your question were posed in English..
ReplyDeleteMessage :
ReplyDeleteI have blogged Hazel now here.
Do you believe that meat is murder?
ReplyDeleteHas he actually read the Green's Manifesto for a Sustainable Society? Does he not think it excessively radical?
ReplyDeletePeter Hitchens. You are condemmed by your own words. He does not just ask for gay people to be treated equally. As you, yourself, say, he is always making an issue of how gay people should be allowed to express their sexuality, even if it means causing offence to other, reasonable people including, apparantly, you. That is what I find awful.
ReplyDeleteYou could ask him if he had been elected as MP for Bermondsey instead of Simon Hughes, how he could have served the interests of the people of Bermondsey better than Hughes. (As opposed to serving the interests of various pressure groups)
ReplyDeletePeter, has the New Labour project lived up to your expectations?
ReplyDeleteAs a Democrat, which part of his equal opportunities for all has he let you down with?
Do you agree to replace Trident?
Go on, be a devil and say yes.
ps. Peter, Tony has given you more than anyone else alive.
Doom.
By the way Iain, how about asking Peter to answer for himself in here.
ReplyDeleteDoom.
His 13 times table. That should catch him out.
ReplyDelete1) You appeared on Peter Hitchens' programme 'Stealing your Liberty' and defended a couple who had been interviewed by police about publishing a negative pamphlet about gay folks.
ReplyDeleteDid you feel that a principles (i.e. liberty, freedom of expression) interfered with your politics (gays being free from oppression).
And how would you change Labour's PC laws?
He has openly criticised the Catholic church for their views on contraception, in particular the third world. I have been led to believe that many men refuse to wear condoms which whatever your religious beliefs is the real culprit of the continued problems. The problem is one of promiscuity in an area where aids is rife, it tends to be on the part of one partner usually the man and that women already suffer terrible injustices in some countries as 2nd class citizens where the Catholic church's doctrine is not followed closely.
ReplyDeleteShould we not be focussing on the way that women are perceived and treated in the third world, rather than criticising long held beliefs from a religion which aims to protect women and treats them with respect as equals.
And does he accept also that many from the Catholic church work tirelessly to help and aid the people in that region.
What are you optimistic about, and why
ReplyDeleteHT: The Edge
Pedant
ReplyDeleteHe is a Human being and like the rest of us full of contradictions.
To me he appears to be a decent man who thinks that people should be able to do what they like as long as it doesnt cause harm to others and unlike most of us is prepared to stand up and do something about it.
Im not a Gay man , I just admire his balls (+:
Seriously, we , need more Peter Tatchells men/women of conviction .
Wrinkled Weasel, you really are a tool.
ReplyDelete"Show our thanks"?!! Are we the Bob Cratchits of British society- still!
You make me laugh with your supposed worry over the "rights" of islamists and little-minded "christians" to discriminate. If they are really so concerned, don't open a business serving the public- simple as that.
I never thought I'd say it, but thank feck for Europe- the only thing pulling this country, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century.
My question for Peter:-
The mid to late 90s was the high water mark for lesbian and gay rights- (why Iain, like me, likes "this life" so much as it captured that time) many of us thought the war was over.
How do you propose to engage and politicise (pass the torch) to the new generation?
Anonymous 2:28 - "Multicultural society" has gone the way of the dodo. Muslims are going to have to fit in to the society which allowed them in the door, or go somewhere they feel more comfortable.
ReplyDeleteLike others, I admire Peter Tatchell for his bravery in trying to arrest the Mugabe creature. He knew he would be severely beaten up, but he steeled himself and did it anyway. I like some of what he stands for,but not everything. But the man certainly does not lack for courage.
Iain, you know I have a feeling Peter Tatchell might well be gay. Do you want to ask him about that?
ReplyDeleteIs he ever going to come out?
"Remembering your brave attempt to arrest Robert Mugabe, what do you think is going to happen in Zimbabwe, over the next year or so?"
ReplyDeleteOh dear Kris.
ReplyDeleteI did write a long reply to your diatribe but frankly I can't be bothered.
You are so up yourself that it would go right over your head, and besides, your modus operandi is tyranny and bullying, and not debate.
Does he think that iligal Australian immigrants should be depoted.
ReplyDeleteCant watch it since you started 'improving '18 Doughty St.
ReplyDeleteWhy are you trying to improve something that worked fine all sounds very new labour to me.
Tyranny and bullying? You mean the bit where I'd questioned what you've written?
ReplyDeleteTyranny and bullying are little labels that you've used so that you don't bother with a second diatribe.
Face it, you've got no substance to support your argument- so you've resorted to personal attack. So who'se the bully?