A quick update on Philip Lardner, whose suspension as a Conservative candidate during the election following homophobic comments we covered back in April – and who had previously been suspended by the Conservatives in 2008 for praising Rhodesian leader Ian Smith.
After he made the homophobic remarks this year, he was also suspended from his teaching job. He has now been reinstated, but given a formal written warning over his behaviour.
Hat-tip: Stephen Glenn
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5 Comments
The fact that the man was suspended from his job because of his opinions is a lot more shocking than his ‘homophobic’ remarks.
This comment of CHI’s is highly subjective. Surely the point for many employees, and certainly teachers, is that they do not act in a way which might lead to people believing that they could act in a prejudiced way towards those they deal with professionally. To describe a certain group of people as “not normal” would lead you to think that they would wish people to be “treated” (as someone who may have a condition / syndrome etc), or possibly even punished or reformed. Those who any people – based professional comes into contact with must have ABSOLUTE confidence that they will be treated by that professional in a normal and appropriate fashion. Anything less and some action to ensure the situation is regularised should be taken (anything from verbal warning through retraining to, in extreme case, dismissal).
It seems very clear that – unlike, say, Conservative Home – negative comments are never allowed to remain on Lib Dem voice, and balancing stories about very naughty Lib Dems, for example Tessa Munt MP, posted for discussion. It’s all a bit totalitarian really. As you will know, Tessa Munt is in increasing trouble as her situation is gradually revealed each week in the national press. It would be nice to see that mentioned – isn’t she a Lib Dem MP and worth discussing? So much for openness, honesty and Nick Clegg’s promise, “We need to make sure that MPs are held to account for any wrongdoing.” Pathetic.
Tim13, describing homosexuals as ‘not normal’ is actually technically correct. Homosexuality is not the norm. Stating that most certainly does not imply that homosexuals need treatment or punishment.
To remove people from their jobs because they hold unpopular opinions is deeply concerning and to support it demonstrates a worryingly totalitarian and illiberal attitude. Shame on you.
Simon, Tessa Munt has been covered on LDV before. Keep your shirt on.
I agree that holding unpopular views should not be grounds for losing a job but in the case of a teacher where someone has pastoral responsibilities which may, depending on what sort of school or institution he teaches in, involve mentoring with young people who identify or are on the verge of identifying as gay or bisexual and in any school environment will involve dealing with homophobic abuse, bullying or violence. Someone who holds homophobic views would clearly be unsuitable to fulfil this role.