'Heterosexism' denied in family homes call

Published on Sunday 18 February 2007 00:05

A FORMER mayor has demanded an apology for an accusation of unintentional discrimination against homosexuals after calling for more homes to be built for families.

John Hipkin, a Liberal Democrat councillor in Cambridge, says he is "enraged and distressed" that he is the subject of a complaint of 'heterosexism' - the unintentional discrimination towards or against non-heterosexuals due to cultural bias.

He has demanded a formal apology and retraction from the council's equal opportunities officer, who took up the complaint after it was lodged by the Lesbian, Gay and Transsexual Group, which represents members on the council staff.

Hipkin, a retired family man, sparked the complaint at a planning meeting last autumn when he said: "We keep getting developments of one and two-bedroom houses. I wonder whether this is putting huge pressure of a contraceptive nature on this city.

"People presumably start off single or young marrieds and have children, don't they? Where are they going to go?"

Hipkin, who has a gay brother, said yesterday that he took "deep exception" to the allegation that his comments had been discriminatory.

"I don't think the quote in any way suggests that the speaker is being heterosexist," he said.

"Family homes can be built for gay people with children. More and more gay couples want to adopt children.

"I have a couple of lesbian friends, both of whom have children through IVF. I remember them saying: 'When we have children we're going to need a larger home'."

He said: "My own brother is gay. I have a lot of gay friends. I've just spent a holiday in Italy with a gay friend.

"I treat all people equally and I love people for what they are, not for what their sexual preferences are."

The council leader, Ian Nimmo-Smith, claimed the affair had been blown out of proportion, and said: "His remarks were capable of being interpreted as non-inclusive. I am not sure an apology is owed."