Tories put LGBT society in ‘section 28’ booth at Conservative Party conference

Out of 91 spaces on the conference floor, party bosses placed the society in one with same number as Margaret Thatcher’s infamous law banning “promotion of homosexuality” in schools

Tory bosses put the party’s LGBT society in ‘section 28’ at Conservative Party Conference.

Out of 91 available spaces on the conference floor, party bosses placed the society in one with same number as Margaret Thatcher’s infamous law banning “promotion of homosexuality” in schools

It comes just a day after Boris Johnson ’s wife Carrie said her husband was “completely committed” to protecting the party’s “gains” on LGBT rights.

The Prime Minister described gay men as “tank-topped bum boys” in a 1998 magazine article.

But in her only intervention at the party’s conference in Manchester yesterday, at an LGBT reception at the conference, Mrs Johnson, the party’s former comms chief – and wife of Boris – said there is a “long way to go” for gay rights.

Mrs Johnson said: “As a back bencher, Boris broke the whip to vote in favour of repealing Section 28. As mayor of London he supported same sex marriage.”

She added: “Whether you are LGBT+ or an ally like me, we are all committed to equality and acceptance for everyone, whoever you are and whomever you love.

“There are still those that will tell you that being LGBT+ and a Tory is somehow incompatible.

“Well, looking around the room tonight we can see that is blatantly untrue.

“The idea that your sexual orientation or your gender identity should determine your politics is now as illogical as saying your height or your hair colour should.”

She added: “Many of you here tonight have helped play a part in the journey our party has taken on gay rights.”

No LGBT Conservatives members were available to speak to on the stand this morning.

The Mirror has approached the Conservative Party for comment.