How much progress is Britain making on gay rights under a Tory-led coalition? Comedian Rhona Cameron, one of the first out lesbians on TV, takes on gay Tory MP Nigel Evans.
MP Nigel Evans and comedian Rhona Cameron. Photograph: Martin Godwin for the Guardian
Over the past few weeks, doubts have been raised about how far gayequality has really come: a male couple were thrown out of a Soho pub for kissing, it was revealed that no data had been collected on the Conservative election promise not to deport gay asylum seekers, and the ban on gay men donating blood may be lifted only if they haven't had sex for 10 years. Emine Saner brought together comedian and author Rhona Cameron and Nigel Evans, Tory MP and deputy speaker, who came out in December, to discuss. First, they talked about reports this week that kissing between same-sex couples on television could be banned before the watershed following a review.
Rhona Cameron: I know the review is about any sexual scenes before the watershed, but when it gets this "gay" focus in reports, it's very worrying.
Nigel Evans: It's sad that it was portrayed in that way. I don't think David Cameron would agree to only banning gay kissing before 9pm, but not heterosexual kissing. On equality legislation alone, it would simply not happen.
RC: The Conservative party does, as it stands, have more out gay people than other parties. It must have been difficult for you, or anyone who had to live a life that wasn't true to their heart, and I'm very pleased for you that you came out and are able to be free in what you are.
NE: I get asked what impact it's had on me, and I would say none, really.
Read the full interview at The Guardian.
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