FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
28/08/09
Comments by Bristol's conservative leader Richard Eddy have been condemned
as 'bigotted and blatant homophobia' by the South West Green Party. Cllr
Eddy had described a lottery award of £391,668 to the Bristol-based group
EACH (educational action challenging homophobia) as a waste of money.
EACH provides support for young members of the LGBT community who suffer
from homophobic bullying.
South West Green Party spokesperson for LGBT issues Ryan Cleminson said:
"Having spoken to Jonathan Charlesworth I know what EACH the group actually
do and they very much deserve the funding. Equally disappointing is the
attitude of the Bristol Evening Post, which seems to be openly supporting
the conservative councillor who made these misguided and homophobic
comments."
"The education system unfortunately is in places still homophobic and any
money used to combat this is in the party's view certainly not wasted. The
funding that is out there at the moment is hard to get. EACH have obviously
submitted a plan that will deliver, otherwise they wouldn't have won this
award to help in their work."
Ryan Cleminson added "The comments by Councillor Eddy and the Evening Post
have caused a real storm. Apart from the immediate reaction in the
newspaper, many have joined a Facebook group set up to challenge Eddy's
contemptible statement.
"The Green Party South-West support the excellent work that EACH are doing.
The funding award is hard won and we wish everyone involved in the project
every success".
Bristol Green Party's press officer Peter Goodwin added:
"Once again we're seeing Richard Eddy picking on minority groups for the
sake of a cheap headline, willingly provided by the Evening Post. If the
local Tories have any ambition to be seen as decent and tolerant, it's high
time they found a new leader."
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