Lib Dems mock Tim Farron’s views on gay sex in singalong
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Liberal Democrat MP and former leader of the party Tim Farron speaks to delegates at the Bournemouth International Centre on September 18, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. The pro-remain party, which is campaigning for a second referendum on the outcome of EU talks, is holding its annual conference at the English seaside town. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
Former leader of the Liberal Democrats Tim Farron was mocked by his own party for his views on gay sex during a singalong at the Lib Dem conference in Brighton.
Party members poked fun at the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale at the conference’s infamous “Glee Club” on the final day of the conference, where attendees sing around a piano, which has become one of the most popular fringe events in UK politics.
During the 2017 general election campaign, Farron, the then leader of the party, evaded questions in interviews about whether he believed gay sex is sinful.
The Glee Club songbook also included a tune about Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster. (Sarah Brown)
Lyrics to the track, sung to the tune of the Pet Shop Boys’ “It’s A Sin,” included: “When I go back upon Newsnight, you know it’s going to cause you pain. I’m speaking on gay sex again.”
It continues: “For every interview, no matter when or where or whom, has gay sex in common too. It’s a sin.
“A Christian can’t become PM, except for, you know, all of them, please feel sorry for poor Tim.
“So when I flounced off in a huff, but won’t shut up about this stuff, at least I’m not a puff. That’s a sin.”
Sarah Brown, a trans campaigner and member of the LGBT+ Liberal Democrats, who wrote the lyrics for the singalong, told PinkNews: “The inspiration behind this particular one came from a sense of disappointment over the way Tim handled the questions he was asked about ‘sin’ during the 2017 election campaign.
“I think it distracted from some of the really excellent LGBT+ work we’ve been doing in the Lib Dems on prep, on the blood ban, on equality and dignity for trans and intersex people.”
Brown, who said she understood Farron was present during the Glee Club event, added: “People seem to have enjoyed the song, although I’m not sure we did the best job of singing it!”
The Glee Club songbook also included a track about Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster.
Also at the Lib Dem conference, current leader Vince Cable made the news after he said “exotic spresm” instead of “exotic spasm” while talkng about Brexit during his keynote speech.
Tim Farron at the Lib Dem party conference in Bournemouth in 2017. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
At one point during the 2017 general election campaign, Farron attempted to salvage his reputation in a BBC interview, telling the broadcaster: “I don’t believe gay sex is a sin.”
However, in an interview with Premier Christian Radio in January, Farron admitted he regretted his comments to the BBC.
Asked if he felt under pressure to change his message in the BBC interview, he said: “Yeah. The bottom line is, of course I did.
“There are things I said, including that, that I regret. There was a sense in which I felt, I’ve got to get this off my table.”
