Esther McVey’s bad take on the LGBT+ schools row earned her these 13 clapbacks
As parents of children at a Birmingham school prepare to restart their protests against Sex and Relationships Education lessons including an acknowledgement of LGBTQ people, Tory MP Esther McVey weighed in on the row.
"Parents know best for their children."
When asked about protests over LGBT classes, Tory leadership candidate Esther McVey told #Sunrise parents should have "final say on what they want their children to know".
Teachers are in tears as the row worsens: https://t.co/N8qwCQBkcA pic.twitter.com/Dmo5KGEyUV
— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 30, 2019
It’s unlikely that anyone was surprised at her hardline small-c conservative stance, but a lot of people weren’t happy about it.
Fellow Conservative, Justine Greening had this message for her.
.@esthermcvey1 You can’t pick & choose on human rights & equality. Children should understand a modern & diverse Britain they’re growing up in. Matters for social mobility too – you can’t be your best if you can’t be yourself. 🏳🌈 pic.twitter.com/iaAAWmf2VA https://t.co/z8kiVEzjLw
— Justine Greening (@JustineGreening) May 30, 2019
From the opposite side of the House, Angela Rayner called it out as a failure.
There can be no compromise with our duties under equalities legislation, and no excuses for failing #LGBT young people. Esther McVey today on the media demonstrates why she lost her seat once as an MP and isn’t fit to be a PM.
— Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) May 30, 2019
Whilst Jess Phillips gave an example of why McVey’s words are nonsense.
How about I don't want my kids learning nonsense phonics words that mean nothing, I hated Beowolf so I don't want them reading that and as for Ox bow lakes and onion skin rock formation teach them nothing about Birmingham so I'm pulling them out of that. https://t.co/iAyrZAfuFl
— Jess Phillips (@jessphillips) May 30, 2019
It might have seemed to be a pro-parent stance, but her voting record suggested something far more disturbing.
https://twitter.com/WipeHomophobia/status/1134155395520520192
Here are a few more reactions.
1.
.@EstherMcVey1 good to know you’ll take the side of homophobic parents over creating an inclusive society and telling LGBT children about their own existence.
Nice of you to be so open about how low you’ll sink in pursuit of something you’ll never achieve. https://t.co/QK29bAXGhm
— James Felton (@JimMFelton) May 30, 2019
2.
https://twitter.com/stavvers/status/1134110669521993732
3.
There's so many levels of ugliness to this story. In some ways it reminds of the tragic circus around poor Alfie Evans. People at the centre of it are being manipulated, lied to & indoctrinated by drama tourists & busy-body zealots. Ignorance allows for lies & McVey is a disgrace https://t.co/lgjtrZxkUw
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) May 30, 2019
4.
Oh look, it's the party of Section 28. https://t.co/wH9e0aqpT7
— James B (@piercepenniless) May 30, 2019
5.
https://twitter.com/ThorsDadBod/status/1134044988843745280
6.
If I had a child, I’m pretty sure I’d like to protect them from knowing about the existence of Esther McVey.
— Bethany Black (@BeffernieBlack) May 30, 2019
7.
All young people should learn about healthy relationships at school, including LGBTQ+ relationships. The Tory Party is pandering dangerously to the far right. https://t.co/0jmssHwnAE
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) May 30, 2019