Stroud's MP has clarified his stance on gay rights following concerns over his voting record by stressing his support for same sex marriage and adoption. 

David Drew attended the town’s first Pride Picnic earlier this month and described the event as a celebration of the “vibrancy and diversity of our community” in his column for the SNJ (August 22).

But, according to TheyWorkForYou, a website that compiles MPs’ voting records, Mr Drew has “generally voted against equal gay rights” in Parliament.

Among the votes the website highlights are Mr Drew voting against reducing the age of consent for homosexual acts to 16 in 1998, against a bill allowing homosexual couples to adopt children in 2002, and being absent from a 2003 vote on repealing Section 28, which stopped local authorities from ‘promoting’ homosexuality in England and Wales.

 

A screenshot from the website TheyWorkForYou.com

Mr Drew was not in Parliament for the vote on gay marriage in 2013, having been ousted by Conservative Neil Carmichael in 2010 before his return last year, but in 2004 Mr Drew voted against allowing mix sex marriages which become a same sex marriage to remain valid as long as neither party objected.

After the SNJ approached Mr Drew for clarification on his position given his attendance of Stroud Pride, he said: “I believe passionately in equality and support gay marriage, adoption by same sex couples, as well as the extension of civil partnerships to all couples.”

TheyWorkForYou also cites a vote by Mr Drew against regulations that would have outlawed discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation in 2007 - Mr Drew pointed out he supported a later bill which did the same.

“I supported the Equality Act of 2010 which protected people from discrimination, including on grounds of gender reassignment and sexual orientations, and indeed was part of the Bill Committee which helped to draw up that act.

Of the age of sexual consent vote, Mr Drew stressed his opposition came from his preference for a higher age of consent for both homosexual and heterosexual acts.

He said: “I am aware there may be some lack of clarity in my voting record. For instance, in 1998 I supported a proposal for one equal age of consent of 17.

"I have consistently supported equality for age of consent, and accept that this is now age 16.

On Section 28: “I was absent for the vote on the abolition of Section 28 but completely supported ending this discriminatory piece of legislation and I now support equal adoption rights for all including same sex couples.

Mr Drew also stressed: “I strive to represent all Stroud’s constituents and I am committed to ensuring equality of rights for all.”

 

Mr Drew at the Stroud Pride Picnic in Bank Gardens, August 19. Photo: David Drew MP's Facebook

The SNJ has also asked Stroud’s other parliamentary candidates where they stand on gay rights.

Siobhan Baillie, the candidate the Conservative’s recently picked for Stroud, responded to the SNJ’s request by saying: “Love is love and I’m proud it was a Conservative Prime Minister who legislated for same sex marriage.

“I couldn’t attend Stroud’s Pride because I was on my honeymoon, but I sent cakes to be enjoyed at the picnic and look forward to attending next year.

“It’s one of more than 80 Prides that are taking place right across the UK this summer and, as Theresa May said, that is a sign of a country that has never been more proud of its LGBT people.”

Ms Baillie has also confirmed she supports adoption by same sex couples.

Though the Greens have yet to pick their parliamentary candidate, their leader for the Stroud district, Martin Whiteside, replied to the SNJ’s request by saying: "I was delighted to see that David Drew recently attended Pride.

“Given his poor voting record in the past on LGBT issues, his recent attendance at Pride and stated support for gay marriage, the extension of civil partnerships and adoption rights for same-sex couples is extremely welcome.

“As Greens we will be keeping up the pressure on Mr Drew to make sure his future votes match his promises."

UKIP candidate, Glen Gogerly, said: "I myself grew up in a very diverse community and I have several gay and lesbian friends and I truly respect their rights in society.

"During my career in retail I have gained a level 2 diploma in Equality and Diversity and so, as well as my personal beliefs on the subject, I am fully aware of the law in accordance with the Equality and Diversity Act 2010."

The Liberal Democrat's candidate, George Butcher, welcomed Mr Drew's comments.

"Stroud has a rich history of tolerance and is a welcoming town," he said.

"The Pride held in Stroud is a clear statement that hatred and intolerance is not acceptable in our society and going forward I hope to see further moves to show Stroud as the welcoming town it is."