Ann Widdecombe says ‘families’ don’t want to watch a same-sex couple dance on SCD...

[Ammi]

Ann Widdecombe says ‘families’ don’t want to watch a same-sex couple dance on Strictly Come Dancing and we are so, so tired...

Ann Widdecombe, the British former lawmaker known for her high-decibel anti-LGBT+ views, drew criticism Sunday (18 October) for saying “families” wouldn’t be interested in watching a same-sex couple dance on Strictly Come Dancing.

Nicola Adams, the lesbian Olympic boxer, joined seasoned professional dancer Katya Jones on the dancefloor Saturday evening (17 October) to become Strictly‘s first same-sex pairing in what was hailed as a huge leap in LGBT+ representation in Britain.

The 73-year-old, who herself appeared on BBC One ballroom show in 2010, rang out in reaction against the landmark moment of television because of course she did.

She told The Sunday Times: “I don’t think it is what viewers of Strictly, especially families, are looking for.

“But that’s up to the audience and the programme.”

‘Society has evolved past the need for asking Ann Widdecombe for her opinions’.

Throughout her decades-long career as a Conservative Party turned Brexit Party politician, Widdecombe has emerged as one of Britain’s most anti-LGBT+ hard-liners.

She has often wielded her megaphone platform to compare the coronavirus to AIDS, brand the acceptance of transgender people “lunacy”, suggest gay people can be “cured” and back businesses who refuse to serve gay customers.

As a result, countless LGBT+ Twitter users took aim at Widdecombe’s comments, with many seeking to stress that the opening episode of the seventeenth season was one of its most-watched launches since 2017.


1317759990447353863


https://uk.yahoo.com/news/ann-widdecombe-says-families-don-145346101.html

[Cherie]

she has never been to an Irish wedding then, women dancing waltzs is the norm :laugh:

[Shaun]

staggers me that she's only 73. Her views make her seem far more prehistoric. Must damage the skin.

[Mitchell]

Do I care what a homophobe thinks?

[Mitchell]

‘Society has evolved past the need for asking Ann Widdecombe for her opinions’.


Now that is something we can agree on Ann

[joeysteele]

Time this dinosaur with her bigoted views, just got on and enjoyed retirement.
Awful woman.

Always playing the Christian card too.
She's enough to put you off Christianity.

[Ammi]

....some of the families watching will be same sex parents as well...it’s interesting what Ann’s narrow definition of ‘families’ would be...

[Amy Jade]

My family did, my Nana who is older than Ann said it was a good decision and would spice it up

[Black Dagger]

Nobody wants to see you dance either. You rancid old turd.

[Zizu]

Ann Widdecombe says ‘families’ don’t want to watch a same-sex couple dance on Strictly Come Dancing and we are so, so tired...



Ann Widdecombe, the British former lawmaker known for her high-decibel anti-LGBT+ views, drew criticism Sunday (18 October) for saying “families” wouldn’t be interested in watching a same-sex couple dance on Strictly Come Dancing.



Nicola Adams, the lesbian Olympic boxer, joined seasoned professional dancer Katya Jones on the dancefloor Saturday evening (17 October) to become Strictly‘s first same-sex pairing in what was hailed as a huge leap in LGBT+ representation in Britain.



The 73-year-old, who herself appeared on BBC One ballroom show in 2010, rang out in reaction against the landmark moment of television because of course she did.



She told The Sunday Times: “I don’t think it is what viewers of Strictly, especially families, are looking for.



“But that’s up to the audience and the programme.”



‘Society has evolved past the need for asking Ann Widdecombe for her opinions’.



Throughout her decades-long career as a Conservative Party turned Brexit Party politician, Widdecombe has emerged as one of Britain’s most anti-LGBT+ hard-liners.



She has often wielded her megaphone platform to compare the coronavirus to AIDS, brand the acceptance of transgender people “lunacy”, suggest gay people can be “cured” and back businesses who refuse to serve gay customers.



As a result, countless LGBT+ Twitter users took aim at Widdecombe’s comments, with many seeking to stress that the opening episode of the seventeenth season was one of its most-watched launches since 2017.





1317759990447353863





https://uk.yahoo.com/news/ann-widdecombe-says-families-don-145346101.html



She’s a daft old bat and has been for quite some time ..


She featured in a documentary series on improving health and after extensive tests plus expert doctors and dieticians sounded alarms over her lifestyle and diet she basically said they knew nothing, discounted everything she was told and made no changes .

She’s a prize idiot - perfect qualifications for being a politician.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Kizzy]

Narrow minded old crone.
What would she know about family?..

[Niamh.]

Why does she think she's speaking for "families"? people watch it for the dancing, surely

[Jake.]

She doesn’t even have a family, how would she know

[Tom4784]

The haggared bag that spent so many weeks getting dragged around that dancefloor like a past-it mop is trying to dictate what people want to see? **** off.

She should focus on not being relevant, it suits her best.

[Jigs]

She doesn’t even have a family, how would she know

periodddd

[Nicky91]

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/oct/18/strictly-come-dancing-opener-first-same-sex-couple-proves-hit

strictly come dancing opener first same-sex couple proves a hit source: Guardian

https://metro.co.uk/2020/10/17/strictly-2020-viewers-excited-to-see-nicola-adams-and-katya-jones-as-they-make-show-history-for-being-same-sex-couple-13439676/

viewers excited to see Nicola Adams and Katya Jones as they make show history for being first same-sex couple source: Metro



also i am on bbc strictly blogs, which has most of elderly target audience, few moaners, but overall lots of positivity towards all pairings (including the same-sex pairing)


even my dad whom usually is a huge homophobe likes seeing Nicola & Katya, thinks they have potential to be really great



so pls bore off Ann you are really stuck in the middle ages :idc:

[Lewismacfarlane]

I really cant wait to see how nicola and katya get on they could even win

[Nicky91]

I really cant wait to see how nicola and katya get on they could even win

let's not rush things lol

i think they should be happy if they can avoid getting lower score paddles from Craig

then already a win in terms of same-sex couples, since Kerstin Ott never gotten higher than a 1 from a judge :laugh2: and from Motsi never higher than a 3

but so far i do not feel awkward watching Nicola & Katya which is a very good thing, meaning she is watchable, i also find Nicola very masculine rather than feminine which can also help rather than hurt

and Katya is inventive enough in terms of choreographies so i trust her she can handle coming up with some routines which can make Nicola shine

[Mystic Mock]

Speaking for myself I don't care either way if there's a same sex couple on SCD or not, as long as the contestants aren't being forced to do it then I don't see the issue.

Ann should be careful about speaking for all families in the UK too.

[joeysteele]

Speaking for myself I don't care either way if there's a same sex couple on SCD or not, as long as the contestants aren't being forced to do it then I don't see the issue.

Ann should be careful about speaking for all families in the UK too.

I don't think being careful as to thought of what she says, is a quality she possesses Mock.

She always usually jumps up to spout her religious and personal bigotry and prejudice.
As if she's only right and everyone and everything else is all wrong.

Awful extreme bigot is what she is.
Actually Dezzy described her better in his post, than I ever could.:joker:

[Nicky91]

I don't think being careful as to thought of what she says, is a quality she possesses Mock.

She always usually jumps up to spout her religious and personal bigotry and prejudice.
As if she's only right and everyone and everything else is all wrong.

Awful extreme bigot is what she is.
Actually Dezzy described her better in his post, than I ever could.:joker:

neither are dance skills, she doesn't possess that quality either :fan:

her rigor mortis style on the dancefloor, being carried around by Anton like a broomstick, oh wait a broom has more movement than her :joker:

[Lewismacfarlane]

My family have disagreements about this

[UserSince2005]

This rat virgin needs to get a life

[Cherie]

I don't agree with her stance at all but don't see how calling her names, alluding to her age, sexual activity, and physical appearance are any more acceptable.

[Nicky91]

I don't agree with her stance at all but don't see how calling her names, alluding to her age, sexual activity, and physical appearance are any more acceptable.

why should we be nice towards her, when all she has come across towards us is nothing more than a vile rude condescending hag :idc:

[Kazanne]

I don't agree with her stance at all but don't see how calling her names, alluding to her age, sexual activity, and physical appearance are any more acceptable.


I agree ,and some families might not like it but that's their problem . Ann is old fashioned and has old fashion views ,but she IS allowed her views, if people don't like the same sex dancing they are free to switch channels.

[Nicky91]

I agree ,and some families might not like it but that's their problem . Ann is old fashioned and has old fashion views ,but she IS allowed her views, if people don't like the same sex dancing they are free to switch channels.

yes switch channels to coronavirus news 24/7, because if they cannot enjoy light-hearted entertainment shows, well then they better just stick to watching the boring irrelevant news


also idk what families do not like it, cause i don't read much negativity on this same-sex pairing, so idk what Ann is going on about, but this is just her way of bringing attention to her bored self

[Mitchell]

I agree ,and some families might not like it but that's their problem . Ann is old fashioned and has old fashion views ,but she IS allowed her views, if people don't like the same sex dancing they are free to switch channels.

In all fairness, I haven’t seen anything in this thread that comes anywhere near the horrid vitriol she has aimed at the LGBTQ community, and I don’t agree with name calling, but I’m truly not very surprised that people are doing so, especially to those of the community that she wishes to convert to conform to her rather vile standards of what a relationship should be.

But again, I do understand where you’re coming from, moral high ground and all that, just sometimes it’s very hard when someone is that determined to strip away your identity, rights and dignity.

[Liam-]

Yeah come on gays, be nice about the dinosaur that has repeatedly shown hatred for us over many decades!

[UserSince2005]

shes a monster. how dare people defend her

[Cherie]

Yeah come on gays, be nice about the dinosaur that has repeatedly shown hatred for us over many decades!

would you accept people using gay slurs in an argument, it's no different :shrug:

[Elliot]

Because homophobia and calling Ann a dinosaur (which seems to be more aimed at the way she looks at the world and how old fashioned it is and not her age?) are the same thing

[Kazanne]

yes switch channels to coronavirus news 24/7, because if they cannot enjoy light-hearted entertainment shows, well then they better just stick to watching the boring irrelevant news


also idk what families do not like it, cause i don't read much negativity on this same-sex pairing, so idk what Ann is going on about, but this is just her way of bringing attention to her bored self

I'm sure most people have more than news channels to turn to if they so wish.:laugh:

[Kazanne]

In all fairness, I haven’t seen anything in this thread that comes anywhere near the horrid vitriol she has aimed at the LGBTQ community, and I don’t agree with name calling, but I’m truly not very surprised that people are doing so, especially to those of the community that she wishes to convert to conform to her rather vile standards of what a relationship should be.

But again, I do understand where you’re coming from, moral high ground and all that, just sometimes it’s very hard when someone is that determined to strip away your identity, rights and dignity.

I dont take much notice of her Mitch, she has always been that way,like i said very old fashioned in her views, but those that want to enjoy it are free to as she is free not to, having said that I will watch it as i dont care what 'sex' they are as long as the dancing is entertaining.:wavey:

[AnnieK]

She knows whenever she says something like this it's going to cause controversy. The media know if they ask her what she is going to say and it will get people up in arms.

Best thing to do with outdated views such as hers is to ignore them. She is not going to change her views now. If people stopped paying attention then she would have no audience to spout her hate to.

[joeysteele]

I meant dinosaur in the sense of her being in politics so long and her awful extreme heartless views then.
Plus also in the intolerant religiously bigoted views she tries to push down everyone else's throats.

Of course she's a Con, so there'll be veiled or open defence of her rotten prejudiced views.

I know much older individuals than Widdecombe.
Who are far more understanding and who try to be too.
Who'd never use media to spout out bigotry as Widdecombe does.
Presenting her own distorted view to the absolute extremes of religiously bigotry too.
Twisting the all encompassing, inclusive message of Christianity to her own vile interpretation of it.

Expecting all to follow her line.
She's a truly awful Woman.
No apology from me for saying, that to me, most, if not near all she says is stemming from her own intolerant acidic bigotry.

[Cherie]

Because homophobia and calling Ann a dinosaur (which seems to be more aimed at the way she looks at the world and how old fashioned it is and not her age?) are the same thing

she has been called far worse, read the thread, ageism, sexism, and body shaming all fine and dandy if the person is on the wrong side of the argument it seems

[Cherie]

She knows whenever she says something like this it's going to cause controversy. The media know if they ask her what she is going to say and it will get people up in arms.

Best thing to do with outdated views such as hers is to ignore them. She is not going to change her views now. If people stopped paying attention then she would have no audience to spout her hate to.

agree, like Katie Hopkins why give her a platform, just ignore her

[Liam-]

It’s always the minorities that are expected to turn the other cheek and be nice, nah, how about decrepit, bigoted fossils leave people alone for a change?

[Cherie]

It’s always the minorities that are expected to turn the other cheek and be nice, nah, how about decrepit, bigoted fossils leave people alone for a change?

well she was asked :laugh: its not like a great surprise or anything]

I'm not the biggest strictly fan but I like Katya and think she is an amazing choreography so interested to see what she will do Nicola

[Nicky91]

I dont take much notice of her Mitch, she has always been that way,like i said very old fashioned in her views, but those that want to enjoy it are free to as she is free not to, having said that I will watch it as i dont care what 'sex' they are as long as the dancing is entertaining.:wavey:

i agree with this Kaz


and btw those people who are bit old fashioned in their views can watch movies or binge rewatch series, yes you are right that there is not just the news for them

i myself am not specifically watching for Nicola & Katya, they are not really among my favourites, but i do hope they are gonna deliver some bit of entertainment, and i wish them best of luck, how difficult it more is for a woman to play as the man and lead (for example when they get dances like Paso Doble, Tango or some of classic ballrooms such as Waltz, Foxtrot)

[Tom4784]

I don't agree with her stance at all but don't see how calling her names, alluding to her age, sexual activity, and physical appearance are any more acceptable.

She has actively worked against the fight for equal rights for LGBT for decades. Calling her a few names for her work against equality for people who, until recently, had to only dream of being treated equally is not equivalent to her hatred and efforts to impede progress.

You may be able to excuse homophobia but don't expect others to.

[Cherie]

She has actively worked against the fight for equal rights for LGBT for decades. Calling her a few names for her work against equality for people who, until recently, had to only dream of being treated equally is not equivalent to her hatred and efforts to impede progress.

You may be able to excuse homophobia but don't expect others to.

Point out where I excused her comments in the thread please

[Nicky91]

I don't agree with her stance at all but don't see how calling her names, alluding to her age, sexual activity, and physical appearance are any more acceptable.

Point out where I excused her comments in the thread please

i feel the need to come to your defence this time Cherie, so yeah i know you don't agree with her at all

[Cherie]

i feel the need to come to your defence this time Cherie, so yeah i know you don't agree with her at all

Thank you Nicky :love:

[Tom4784]

Point out where I excused her comments in the thread please

'I don't agree buuuuuuut'

You tried to equate what she has tried to do to the LGBT to the LGBT not being in a rush to be kind towards her.

[DouglasS]

'I don't agree buuuuuuut'

You tried to equate what she has tried to do to the LGBT to the LGBT not being in a rush to be kind towards her.

She was clearly saying she doesn’t agree with anything she has to say but by calling her slurs or being vile yourself isn’t the way to go about it.... I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about in the second sentence

[Jase.]

Why does this silly cow think anybody cares about her opinion anymore?

[Cherie]

She was clearly saying she doesn’t agree with anything she has to say but by calling her slurs or being vile yourself isn’t the way to go about it.... I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about in the second sentence

.

[reece(:]

This odious woman needs to stop being given platforms to spout her prehistoric views.

[joeysteele]

This odious woman needs to stop being given platforms to spout her prehistoric views.

I agree.
She was a hard-line uncompromising individual during the 90s during the Con government.
She was even someone, My Father who was usually a strong Con voter at the time, disliked intensely for her views.

She still is.
Then claims to be a devout Christian.
Yet spouts out all her bigotry.
I can't see any excuses for her at all.
I think she'd just a horrible bigoted individual not worth the time of day frankly.

Yet as you mention, she gets snapped up by the media because she's going to just about always say something grossly offensive to groups of society or even individuals.
Which she'll lump together too, to emphasise her own bigotry.

Why the media dig these people out for their views to be so widely reported is unbelievable.
There's many others too.
However I don't think I've ever really agreed with a thing Widdecombe has said.
Then again, I've never been a supporter of those who spout out their own personal, hate, bigotry and judgemental prejudice like Widdecombe seems to thrive on doing.

[Cherie]

I agree.
She was a hard-line uncompromising individual during the 90s during the Con government.
She was even someone, My Father who was usually a strong Con voter at the time, disliked intensely for her views.

She still is.
Then claims to be a devout Christian.
Yet spouts out all her bigotry.
I can't see any excuses for her at all.
I think she'd just a horrible bigoted individual not worth the time of day frankly.

Yet as you mention, she gets snapped up by the media because she's going to just about always say something grossly offensive to groups of society or even individuals.
Which she'll lump togetherness too, to emphasise her own bigotry.

Why the media dig these people out for their views to be so widely reported is unbelievable.
There's many others too.
However I don't think I've ever really agreed with a thing Widdecombe has said.
Then again, I've never been a supporter of those who spout out their own personal, hate, bigotry and judgemental prejudice like Widdecombe seems to thrive on doing.

I thought it was quite obvious, it gets people talking and looking at their newspaper :shrug: Controversy sells

[Nicky91]

I thought it was quite obvious, it gets people talking and looking at their newspaper :shrug: Controversy sells

:joker: :joker: :joker:

lmao, imagine wanting to ruin your newspaper because controversy sells

[Cherie]

:joker: :joker: :joker:

lmao, imagine wanting to ruin your newspaper because controversy sells

what do you think sells newspapers Nicky, flowers and rainbows? :laugh:

[Nicky91]

what do you think sells newspapers Nicky, flowers and rainbows? :laugh:

i know, but i have a huge dislike for controversial news

i am also sorry for calling Ann names, but she just isn't very smart to just say nasty stuff, she could better just ignore whatever she dislikes rather than looking it up and wanting to comment about it

[Ammi]

...I think this whole ‘controversy’, which isn’t a controversy at all because its very much known what her views are on specific things, represents something really abhorrent...I don’t think it’s to ‘sell’ at all ...how many actual newspapers are sold now...people can get all of the news online for free...it doesn’t matter which media source covers a story because it’ll be repeated on social media/news sources as well...so I don’t think that ‘selling’ is such a thing for any media sources anymore...even with online subscriptions, another free source would probably be found....anyways, if she was asked for her opinion../...if that’s the case and she didn’t just offer it and then was quoted etc...it’s completely known what her opinion would be because she’s totally against same sex relationships/partnering in any form or any which way...so it could have only been asked with the intent for her to be abused/insulted etc ..?...there is no other reason and that’s intentionally opening her up to ‘hate’...and what would be the value in that for anyone at all...?...none whatsoever other than to try to stir up and incite ‘hate’ and that’s sadly what our ‘media’ often does...it creates the ‘victims’ purposefully and intentionally to add to the already victims of prejudice...

[joeysteele]

I thought it was quite obvious, it gets people talking and looking at their newspaper :shrug: Controversy sells

Then it's time something was done to ensure that those who have had to battle to get hard earned rights, don't have that questioned and controversy or deliberate offence raised to fuel more discord or prejudice against groups.

The only reason this awful woman is saying this as she did, is her own prejudice against anyone being of the LGBT communities.

It's because 2 people of the same sex are paired together in an entertainment show.

Are you trying to say she's right to fuel the still very sadly in my view, prejudice against LGBT rights and those individuals.
I personally don't think you are myself.

However, I see no reason to dredge up this woman and her worrying religious bigotry and personal prejudice against LGBT rights, which she's never supported.
To present that as news or relevant in a public service so called newspapers or any other outlet.

Just don't give these, as reece termed her, prehistoric bigots any platform.

I would claim to hold to Christian beliefs myself,I know one thing, were I to enter a church where Widdecombe was, I'd leave however.
Because she uses her severe more old testament views,as to her lgbt bigotry and prejudice.
Not thinking of the possible consequences of her words said publicly.

The publications and media that give her that platform are equally responsible for trying to sow more discord.

She singled out the 2 participants because of one thing only, they were competing and are a same sex pairing, which she says families don't want to see.
For me that's indefensible 100%.

So she'd have that pairing out of Strictly.
That's the undercurrent to her comments and personal prejudice.
That would be her aim.
Sending her hateful message to families that she believes they shouldn't support a same sex couple dancing on Strictly.
With sickeningly media allowing her to make her ugly bigoted view too.

I think that's wrong, wholly wrong.

[Cherie]

Then it's time something was done to ensure that those who have had to battle to get hard earned rights, don't have that questioned and controversy or deliberate offence raised to fuel more discord or prejudice against groups.

The only reason this awful woman is saying this as she did, is her own prejudice against anyone being of the LGBT communities.

It's because 2 people of the same sex are paired together in an entertainment show.

Are you trying to say she's right to fuel the still very sadly in my view, prejudice against LGBT rights and those individuals.
I personally don't think you are myself.

However, I see no reason to dredge up this woman and her worrying religious bigotry and personal prejudice against LGBT rights, which she's never supported.
To present that as news or relevant in a public service so called newspapers or any other outlet.

Just don't give these, as reece termed her, prehistoric bigots any platform.

I would claim to hold to Christian beliefs myself,I know one thing, were I to enter a church where Widdecombe was, I'd leave however.
Because she uses her severe more old testament views,as to her lgbt bigotry and prejudice.
Not thinking of the possible consequences of her words said publicly.

The publications and media that give her that platform are equally responsible for trying to sow more discord.

She singled out the 2 participants because of one thing only, they were competing and are a same sex pairing, which she says families don't want to see.
For me that's indefensible 100%.

So she'd have that pairing out of Strictly.
That's the undercurrent to her comments and personal prejudice.
That would be her aim.
Sending her hateful message to families that she believes they shouldn't support a same sex couple dancing on Strictly.
With sickeningly media allowing her to make her ugly bigoted view too.

I think that's wrong, wholly wrong.

You answered your own question there

[Nicky91]

https://twitter.com/ianwaite/status/1317925658870403082

yes Ian, i also am very excited to see that first performance of Nicola & Katya on saturday


also look forward of his wednesday warmup next week again weekly where he has to judge them in training :D

[Tom4784]

.

So, false equivalence by comparing calling her a bag to her trying to impede gay rights. Got it.

[Dogeatdog]

She always comes across as really miserable so I couldn’t care what she says to be perfectly honest.

[Cherie]

So, false equivalence by comparing calling her a bag to her trying to impede gay rights. Got it.

quit the gaslighting it's very obvious what you are doing, post away I won't be responding to you again while you assign your own narrative to my posts, given other people can see exactly what I am saying you know exactly what you are doing.

[DouglasS]

quit the gaslighting it's very obvious what you are doing, post away I won't be responding to you again while you assign your own narrative to my posts, given other people can see exactly what I am saying you know exactly what you are doing.

Yes don’t allow others to put voices in your mouth. People try to do that and then runaway with their own narrative of what you said/implied. Your post was very clear :clap1:

[Nicky91]

let's just leave this for what it is pls

let those enjoy if they like this first same-sex dance couple, and others who don't, you can still support any of the other couples, i mean you got one of the more high profile comedians Bill Bailey to root for and tbh he isn't a bad dancer or at least what we saw in that group dance


i stick with the saying ''live and let live'' i mean Nicola Adams is a great sports signing, and tbh her being a lesbian, opting to dance with a woman, especially also saying she wants to play as the ''male'' in every performance, so no dresses, it is her right to do it like that, and respects to Katya for accepting this too to be her dance partner

you don't have to follow their journey while watching the show, i mean there are 11 other couples ;)

[BraeBrae]

Courtney Act for the next season just to piss off Ann?

[bots]

Going by this thread, she has succeeded in winding some people up which was clearly her intention. 1-0 Ann

[Nicky91]

Courtney Act for the next season just to piss off Ann?

Courtney cannot do strictly anymore, she already has done a DWTS show

[Liam-]

Going by this thread, she has succeeded in winding some people up which was clearly her intention. 1-0 Ann

Aye, homophobia is a well fun game

[Nicky91]

Going by this thread, she has succeeded in winding some people up which was clearly her intention. 1-0 Ann

well her career in a nutshell, which is also why she fits perfectly into that troll brexit party with her fellow homophobe bigot moron Farage :joker: :joker:

[Nicky91]

https://twitter.com/angelaclinton14/status/1318496566261518337

:clap1: :clap1: :clap1:

[Tom4784]

quit the gaslighting it's very obvious what you are doing, post away I won't be responding to you again while you assign your own narrative to my posts, given other people can see exactly what I am saying you know exactly what you are doing.

I'm not gaslighting anyone. I'm just responding to your posts.

[Glenn.]

Thankfully its homophobic life is nearly over so why even give it the time of day?

[user104658]

She has actively worked against the fight for equal rights for LGBT for decades. Calling her a few names for her work against equality for people who, until recently, had to only dream of being treated equally is not equivalent to her hatred and efforts to impede progress.

The point is that you should call her names that are specific to her rather than names that apply broadly and are offensive to people who have nothing to do with her. e.g. flippantly saying "meh she's old, dried up and irrelevant" might seem justified when it's applied to her, but by saying that if someone is over a certain age they're "dried up and irrelevant", that's inevitably insulting to other older people. It's using a benign trait as an insult.

Other examples; "Pfft he's just a disgusting fat bastard what does he know I bet he stinks of old cheese in his flabby folds" - offensive to overweight people who have done nothing wrong.

"LOL look at that bitch talking about other people when she has giant moles all over her face" - offensive to anyone who has moles on their face.

etc.

[Nicky91]

The point is that you should call her names that are specific to her rather than names that apply broadly and are offensive to people who have nothing to do with her. e.g. flippantly saying "meh she's old, dried up and irrelevant" might seem justified when it's applied to her, but by saying that if someone is over a certain age they're "dried up and irrelevant", that's inevitably insulting to other older people. It's using a benign trait as an insult.

Other examples; "Pfft he's just a disgusting fat bastard what does he know I bet he stinks of old cheese in his flabby folds" - offensive to overweight people who have done nothing wrong.

"LOL look at that bitch talking about other people when she has giant moles all over her face" - offensive to anyone who has moles on their face.

etc.

not TS a fan of Widdecombe :omgno: :o

[Rob!]

Like....the woman has made it clear she thinks all gay people should be wiped off the face of the face of the Earth, should be allowed nowhere near children and believes that gay people can be cured as though we’re some form of disease.

But yeah. Let’s not call her an old bag. That’s just totally unacceptable.

[Nicky91]

a woman who made me puke several times, first on strictly with her horror unappealing performance skills of a 0.0, shame there wasn't a 0 score paddle :fan:

and later on CBB where she should've been first boot for sure but shame that this old bigot homophobe got fans :(

[joeysteele]

a woman who made me puke several times, first on strictly with her horror unappealing performance skills of a 0.0, shame there wasn't a 0 score paddle :fan:

and later on CBB where she should've been first boot for sure but shame that this old bigot homophobe got fans :(


I'm not bothered on her age.
She was the same rotten so and so when she was younger.

I know people much older who have none of the prejudices this awful woman has.

Yes however, it's both sad and a shame any would even give veiled defence of her with her rotten and vile bigoted views.

[Nicky91]

I'm not bothered on her age.
She was the same rotten so and so when she was younger.

I know people much older who have none of the prejudices this awful woman has.

Yes however, it's both sad and a shame any would even give veiled defence of her with her rotten and vile bigoted views.

i am more bothered, because she does make elderly look bad in general, with her being a miserable vile negative woman all the time

her views are just way out of date


tbh one politician whom i did like, Edwina Currie and she was first boot on strictly which i found sad, since i found her coming across nicely with Vincent :(

shame how a Ann made it that far undeservingly, and Edwina did not get the public behind her

[user104658]

Like....the woman has made it clear she thinks all gay people should be wiped off the face of the face of the Earth, should be allowed nowhere near children and believes that gay people can be cured as though we’re some form of disease.

But yeah. Let’s not call her an old bag. That’s just totally unacceptable.

I couldn't give a **** what you call her I'm just pointing out that when you use broad-spectrum insults, you don't only insult the target. She is obviously a piece of sh*t. The difference is that when I call her a piece of sh*t, there isn't an actual piece of sh*t out there to be offended by it being pointed out that it's bad to be sh*t... whereas when you use "old" as an insult, you're telling all old people that "being old is bad". I'm sure you get it, but feel free to continue pretending not to out of banal incredulity or whatever.

[Beso]

People smeer **** on thier cattle as a mark of respect.

[Tom4784]

The point is that you should call her names that are specific to her rather than names that apply broadly and are offensive to people who have nothing to do with her. e.g. flippantly saying "meh she's old, dried up and irrelevant" might seem justified when it's applied to her, but by saying that if someone is over a certain age they're "dried up and irrelevant", that's inevitably insulting to other older people. It's using a benign trait as an insult.

Other examples; "Pfft he's just a disgusting fat bastard what does he know I bet he stinks of old cheese in his flabby folds" - offensive to overweight people who have done nothing wrong.

"LOL look at that bitch talking about other people when she has giant moles all over her face" - offensive to anyone who has moles on their face.

etc.

This isn't a hill to die on, TS.

[Ramsay]

The poor old bigot getting called names that she'll never see :(

[Mystic Mock]

I don't think being careful as to thought of what she says, is a quality she possesses Mock.

She always usually jumps up to spout her religious and personal bigotry and prejudice.
As if she's only right and everyone and everything else is all wrong.

Awful extreme bigot is what she is.
Actually Dezzy described her better in his post, than I ever could.:joker:

I don't get how people become so hateful like her tbh.

[Nicky91]

https://twitter.com/cononeilluk/status/1317803047691628549

[joeysteele]

I don't get how people become so hateful like her tbh.

Because there's people who'll defend her views, who hold in part similar views who'll distance themselves from her comments but defend her anytime she makes them.

The media who give her the platform, know there's people who she will please immensely with her as you say hateful comments and prejudices.

Because that's where it comes from the hate in her to anyone she considers undesirables.

I for one, and I'm sure from what you say too, you may agree.
I'd never in any way even set out to give veiled defence of her, or excuse her for these comments because she's old fashioned.
She's not old fashioned.
She's a hate filled homophobe and one of the worst kinds of religious bigots.
Not warranting, praise or defence from any quarter in my opinion.

[Kazanne]

not TS a fan of Widdecombe :omgno: :o

Just because people see things differently doesn't mean they are a fan.

[Cherie]

Just because people see things differently doesn't mean they are a fan.

The LGBTQ community fought long and hard against offensive references, stereotyping and slurs so its disappointing to see those tools that were used against them for so long used by some to make a point.

[Nicky91]

The LGBTQ community fought long and hard against offensive references, stereotyping and slurs so its disappointing to see those tools that were used against them for so long used by some to make a point.

:clap1: :clap1:

well said, and i apologize for some names i had given to Ann


and yes i give in, Ann is entitled of her own opinion, and tbh it isn't surprising this coming from her, if she is really religious

that said, Ann and other people like her should try to not pay attention to the same-sex couple then, and focus on others, i mean older generations for sure will like Bill Bailey, Caroline Quentin more

[joeysteele]

Just because people see things differently doesn't mean they are a fan.

Doesn't mean they aren't either.

Well I wouldn't want to do anything else but to condemn her views.
Unless I agreed with some of what she was saying.

Thankfully I'd choose to be as far distanced from her hate filled bigotry.
The furthest away I could get.
IF I didn't agree with her.

Never giving any even tiny veiled defence of her and bypass the undercurrent of her hateful prejudices.

[joeysteele]

The LGBTQ community fought long and hard against offensive references, stereotyping and slurs so its disappointing to see those tools that were used against them for so long used by some to make a point.

The fact they had to fight so hard to gain that and rights..
Doesn't mean they now have to shut up and not defend still those rights hard fought for.
Especially against the hate filled religious bigots like Widdecombe.

Or would you rather those kinds of bigots prosper and get their say?

I certainly wouldn't and I'd be distancing myself and her vile suggestions of life and prejudices every chance I got to.

[Nicky91]

Well I wouldn't want to do anything else but to condemn her views.
Unless I agreed with some of what she was saying.

Thankfully I'd choose to be as far distanced from her hate filled bigotry.
The furthest away I could get.
IF I didn't agree with her.

Never giving any even tiny veiled defence of her and bypass the undercurrent of her hateful prejudices.

she is like this, because of being super religious, those views i mean


a reason more why i do not like her, is because she is just being miserable the whole time

+ she had to slaughter my fave celine song my heart will go on with her ''rumba'' :yuk: also not over that horror moment

[Cherie]

The fact they had to fight so hard to gain that and rights..
Doesn't mean they now have to shut up and not defend still those rights hard fought for.
Especially against the hate filled religious bigots like Widdecombe.

Or would you rather those kinds of bigots prosper and get their say?

I certainly wouldn't and I'd be distancing myself and her vile suggestions of life and prejudices every chance I got to.

Who is saying they can't defend themselves, point it out on the thread please where anyone has said that

[Niamh.]

Honestly I think people are deliberately misrepresenting what Cherie (and TS) have said, it isn't about Ann or defending her and saying she shouldn't be called out for being a bigot ........because she is, what she said is offensive and divisive. The issue is the use of sexist(and ageist) insults which are insulting to women in general, it's not ok to use racist or homophobic insults against people just because they're assholes so why doesn't the same apply about sexist slurs? It's about the use of sexist words in general as a way to insult anyone.

********I AM NOT DEFENDING ANN OR ANY OF HER VIEWS

[Liam-]

The LGBTQ community fought long and hard against offensive references, stereotyping and slurs so its disappointing to see those tools that were used against them for so long used by some to make a point.

Oh give over

[Cherie]

Honestly I think people are deliberately misrepresenting what Cherie (and TS) have said, it isn't about Ann or defending her and saying she shouldn't be called out for being a bigot ........because she is, what she said is offensive and divisive. The issue is the use of sexist(and ageist) insults which are insulting to women in general, it's not ok to use racist or homophobic insults against people just because they're assholes so why doesn't the same apply about sexist slurs? It's about the use of sexist words in general as a way to insult anyone.

********I AM NOT DEFENDING ANN OR ANY OF HER VIEWS

Thank you Niamh, a level of intelligence and critical thinking applied is always welcome :hee:

[Nicky91]

True Niamh


being sexist, ageist isn't good either



btw something about Ann here (source wikipedia)

Religious views
Widdecombe became an Anglican in her 30s, after a period of being an agnostic following her departure from religious schooling. Widdecombe is now a practising Roman Catholic; she converted in 1993 after leaving the Church of England. Her reasons for leaving the latter were many, as she explained to reporters from the New Statesman:

I left the Church of England because there was a huge bundle of straw. The ordination of women was the last straw, but it was only one of many. For years I had been disillusioned by the Church of England's compromising on everything. The Catholic Church doesn't care if something is unpopular.
In October 2006, she pledged to boycott British Airways for suspending a worker who refused to hide her cross. The matter was resolved when the company reversed the suspension.

In 2010, Widdecombe turned down the offer to be Britain's next ambassador to the Holy See, being prevented from accepting by suffering a detached retina. She was made a Dame of the Order of St. Gregory the Great by Pope Benedict XVI for services to politics and public life on 31 January 2013.


this does show she is very devoted to her religion, so yeah i apologize for calling her attention seeking and a troll in this thread, because i do now believe these are really her views, opinions (maybe outdated which is why i obviously disagree with them) but people like Ann are still allowed to have those views, and we have a right to disagree with them either (but i agree sexist, ageist insults are a no go for anyone)

[joeysteele]

Who is saying they can't defend themselves, point it out on the thread please where anyone has said that

Cherie, I'm not going to risk being in bother again debating with you, sorry.
I've said what I've said and people interpret things differently especially the written word.

Which I will myself always never defend homophobic bigotry from anyone man or woman.
Nor will I have or show respect to to someone like Widdecombe who'll use any chance she gets to spout her vile dangerous bigotry.
Religious bigotry at that.

If I call her an awful woman it's because she is sadly a woman.
I can't call her a man hardly.

She doesn't care, man or woman who she offends.
That seems okay here then.

I detest Widdecombe always have.
She's one of the worst examples of a human being there can be in my view
Because if she had her way, LGBT individuals would likely be burned at the stake or stoned.

I'll stand by my own views.
Let's just leave it that you and I don't agree so it's pointless me saying anything else.

[joeysteele]

True Niamh


being sexist, ageist isn't good either



btw something about Ann here (source wikipedia)

Religious views
Widdecombe became an Anglican in her 30s, after a period of being an agnostic following her departure from religious schooling. Widdecombe is now a practising Roman Catholic; she converted in 1993 after leaving the Church of England. Her reasons for leaving the latter were many, as she explained to reporters from the New Statesman:

I left the Church of England because there was a huge bundle of straw. The ordination of women was the last straw, but it was only one of many. For years I had been disillusioned by the Church of England's compromising on everything. The Catholic Church doesn't care if something is unpopular.
In October 2006, she pledged to boycott British Airways for suspending a worker who refused to hide her cross. The matter was resolved when the company reversed the suspension.

In 2010, Widdecombe turned down the offer to be Britain's next ambassador to the Holy See, being prevented from accepting by suffering a detached retina. She was made a Dame of the Order of St. Gregory the Great by Pope Benedict XVI for services to politics and public life on 31 January 2013.


this does show she is very devoted to her religion, so yeah i apologize for calling her attention seeking and a troll in this thread, because i do now believe these are really her views, opinions (maybe outdated which is why i obviously disagree with them) but people like Ann are still allowed to have those views, and we have a right to disagree with them either (but i agree sexist, ageist insults are a no go for anyone)

I know loads of people devoted to their religion who are nothing like Widdecombe.
She stands for the whole opposite of Christianity.
Anyone claiming to be a real Christian should equally be offended by her representation of it as they ought to be of her hateful thoughts and words.

[Cherie]

Cherie, I'm not going to risk being in bother again debating with you, sorry.
I've said what I've said and people interpret things differently especially the written word.

Which I will myself always never defend homophobic bigotry from anyone man or woman.
Nor will I have or show respect to to someone like Widdecombe who'll use any chance she gets to spout her vile dangerous bigotry.
Religious bigotry at that.

If I call her an awful woman it's because she is sadly a woman.
I can't call her a man hardly.

She doesn't care, man or woman who she offends.
That seems okay here then.

I detest Widdecombe always have.
She's one of the worst examples of a human being there can be in my view
Because if she had her way, LGBT individuals would likely be burned at the stake or stoned.

I'll stand by my own views.
Let's just leave it that you and I don't agree so it's pointless me saying anything else.


you claimed people were defending her when nothing of the sort was happening, if you are going to make these claims you have to back them up, engage with me, don't engage with me that is your perogative

[The Slim Reaper]

Shocked to see Niamh defending Ann and her views.

[Niamh.]

Shocked to see Niamh defending Ann and her views.

https://img.gifglobe.com/grabs/fatherted/S01E06/gif/DywPkmdjUzoT.gif

[DouglasS]

Honestly I think people are deliberately misrepresenting what Cherie (and TS) have said, it isn't about Ann or defending her and saying she shouldn't be called out for being a bigot ........because she is, what she said is offensive and divisive. The issue is the use of sexist(and ageist) insults which are insulting to women in general, it's not ok to use racist or homophobic insults against people just because they're assholes so why doesn't the same apply about sexist slurs? It's about the use of sexist words in general as a way to insult anyone.

********I AM NOT DEFENDING ANN OR ANY OF HER VIEWS

Exactly. I really struggle to follow some of the logic people have posted.

Cherie saying resorting to slurs / offensive insults to other groups of people is not the best way to go about things = not understanding the point or being homophobic According to some??

It’s the exact same logic as saying I am against animal cruelty and so that means I disagree with trans rights... (Aka no logic between the two points at all)

There is LITERALLY no logic in some posters posts in here, they have tried to put words into cheries mouth :joker: (and when called out merely state they are just posting or it’s a different battle... well no, if you’re posting nonsense expect to be called out is my view)

[joeysteele]

you claimed people were defending her when nothing of the sort was happening, if you are going to make these claims you have to back them up, engage with me, don't engage with me that is your perogative

No I don't.
Plus I've answered you by saying clearly I stand by what I've said.
That's in relation to what I've read and seen.

It is my right to engage or not to with anyone on here and that's what I will do too, thank you for reminding me.

It's good protection to do so.

[Cherie]

https://img.gifglobe.com/grabs/fatherted/S01E06/gif/DywPkmdjUzoT.gif


x2 :fist:

[The Slim Reaper]

https://pa1.narvii.com/6842/2e495b97a0a124e24a555d1fd817a6f0ce629a55_hq.gif

[Tom4784]

The LGBTQ community fought long and hard against offensive references, stereotyping and slurs so its disappointing to see those tools that were used against them for so long used by some to make a point.

More false equivalence.

'Yeah, this bigot may have done everything in her power to harm LGBT people but LGBT people are just as bad for calling her names when she continues to be bigoted!'

Utter bull****.

[DouglasS]

More false equivalence.

'Yeah, this bigot may have done everything in her power to harm LGBT people but LGBT people are just as bad for calling her names when she continues to be bigoted!'

Utter bull****.


Never once did Cherie say people are just as bad... nor did she make that point

Once again the point Cherie made was LGBT have undergone decades of having slurs thrown at them and being called offensive words on the basis of being gay. And that those people especially would understand that generalising a whole population with slurs gets you nowhere/ is ridiculous...

Saying she is old and irrelevant / going to die soon and other slurs for being old isn’t helping the cause.. if anything it’s harming the cause as people will (wrongly may I add) read your comments and think how childish and go the other way

there are other ways to argue your point other than insulting large communities, hopefully you can learn from this

[Kazanne]

https://img.gifglobe.com/grabs/fatherted/S01E06/gif/DywPkmdjUzoT.gif

:joker::joker::joker:

[Liam-]

Yeah, I’m not going to lose sleep over someone who would be quite happy to see all of my rights stripped away, because of the gender I’m attracted to, being called some nasty names, it’s time to normalise minorities not having to tolerate bigotry because ‘everyone is allowed an opinion’, we’re expected to just be nice and grateful we don’t get put in prison anymore

[Nicky91]

also lol, when Ann is in the minority here, since a lot of people look forward to seeing Nicola & Katya

and it is the second time she aims for Katya, after that one time she wanted her and Seann banned from the show after that kiss

[Cherie]

Never once did Cherie say people are just as bad... nor did she make that point

Once again the point Cherie made was LGBT have undergone decades of having slurs thrown at them and being called offensive words on the basis of being gay. And that those people especially would understand that generalising a whole population with slurs gets you nowhere/ is ridiculous...

Saying she is old and irrelevant / going to die soon and other slurs for being old isn’t helping the cause.. if anything it’s harming the cause as people will (wrongly may I add) read your comments and think how childish and go the other way

there are other ways to argue your point other than insulting large communities, hopefully you can learn from this

Indeed, you and Niamh got what I meant right on the nail...thank you

[Nicky91]

what is the correct way of debating then?

cuz i'm pretty much confused now either


i understand sexist, ageist and other slurs are wrong, but what is the correct way then?

[Tom4784]

Yeah, I’m not going to lose sleep over someone who would be quite happy to see all of my rights stripped away, because of the gender I’m attracted to, being called some nasty names, it’s time to normalise minorities not having to tolerate bigotry because ‘everyone is allowed an opinion’, we’re expected to just be nice and grateful we don’t get put in prison anymore

Pretty much, the constant false equivalence annoys me endlessly. Insulting someone isn't akin to trying to impede and strip people of their rights.

I'm not gonna clutch my pearls over a bigot getting dragged.

[Tom4784]

Indeed, you and Niamh got what I meant right on the nail...thank you

Still false equivalence, nothing that other person has said changes that.

[Niamh.]

Still false equivalence, nothing that other person has said changes that.

What do you mean by false equivalence though? Do you mean women in general haven't suffered as bad as gay people in the past? (and present depending on where you live) or are you talking specifically about Ann Widdecomb?

[Tom4784]

What do you mean by false equivalence though? Do you mean women in general haven't suffered as bad as gay people in the past? (and present depending on where you live) or are you talking specifically about Ann Widdecomb?

It's the whole trying to make the LGBT look hypocritical for lashing out at bigots when those bigots have repressed us. People clutching their pearls being all like 'We shouldn't call her names', whether they realise it or not, are engaging in false equivalence by saying we're being just as bad when it's not comparable at all.

She has done everything she can to impede and hurt LGBT people, we are entitled to our anger.

[Niamh.]

It's the whole trying to make the LGBT look hypocritical for lashing out at bigots when those bigots have repressed us. People clutching their pearls being all like 'We shouldn't call her names', whether they realise it or not, are engaging in false equivalence by saying we're being just as bad when it's not comparable at all.

She has done everything she can to impede and hurt LGBT people, we are entitled to our anger.

She should definitely be called names I think and bigot is a very fitting one. I just take exception at sexist insults, no matter what the situation because it's hurtful for women in general I believe (w***e, slut etc are my personal least favourites). I'm in no way saying people shouldn't be angry with her and call her out on remarks like this.

[Cherie]

She should definitely be called names I think and bigot is a very fitting one. I just take exception at sexist insults, no matter what the situation because it's hurtful for women in general I believe (w***e, slut etc are my personal least favourites). I'm in no way saying people shouldn't be angry with her and call her out on remarks like this.

So if the the gay community are angered by a black person holding bigoted views they can legitimately employ racist language as a way of conveying anger? That’s what is being said I believe or is it only sexist and ageist comments that can be utilsed which makes the point even more biazarre than it already is

[Niamh.]

So if the the gay community are angered by a black person holding bigoted views they can legitimately employ racist language as a way of conveying anger? That’s what is being said I believe or is it only sexist and ageist comments that can be utilsed which makes the point even more biazarre than it already is

Yeah that's what I'm saying, sexism just seems to be not as frowned upon as others when in reality women through history have had as ****ty a time as other oppressed groups

[Cherie]

Yeah that's what I'm saying, sexism just seems to be not as frowned upon as others when in reality women through history have had as ****ty a time as other oppressed groups

Agree with you, I will join Nicky in the confused corner...is it a tiered system maybe :laugh:

[Tom4784]

She should definitely be called names I think and bigot is a very fitting one. I just take exception at sexist insults, no matter what the situation because it's hurtful for women in general I believe (w***e, slut etc are my personal least favourites). I'm in no way saying people shouldn't be angry with her and call her out on remarks like this.

Luckily I didn't see anyone here calling her either of those.

[Tom4784]

So if the the gay community are angered by a black person holding bigoted views they can legitimately employ racist language as a way of conveying anger? That’s what is being said I believe or is it only sexist and ageist comments that can be utilsed which makes the point even more biazarre than it already is

More false equivalency and just a plain ludicrous attack tbh by suggesting gay people would be racist towards bigots.

[Niamh.]

Luckily I didn't see anyone here calling her either of those.

Not those ones no, hag was one though which is a popular sexist slur for women over probably 30 at this stage

[Liam-]

Not those ones no, hag was one though which is a popular sexist slur for women over probably 30 at this stage

A hag is a witch, is she not a witch?

[Niamh.]

A hag is a witch, is she not a witch?

What does hag mean in slang?
What does hag mean? Historically, a hag is an old, ugly woman with evil powers. Much like witches, crones, and banshees, hag has become a sexist insult degrading women.
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/hag

[joeysteele]

Well I rarely refer to her sex.
I call her Widdecombe or an individual.

She warrants the venom she gets for the venom she spouts out.

However, I'll ensure I don't refer to the sex of the individual Widdecombe again.

However Widdecombe can get veiled defence for saying 2 females shouldn't be allowed to dance together on a TV show, and that in a general sense Widdecombe says, families don't want to see that either.

For goodness sake.

[Niamh.]

Well I rarely refer to her sex.
I call her Widdecombe or an individual.

She warrants the venom she gets for the venom she spouts out.

However, I'll ensure I don't refer to the sex of the individual Widdecombe again.

:thumbs:


However Widdecombe can get veiled defence for saying 2 females shouldn't be allowed to dance together on a TV show, and that in a general sense Widdecombe says, families don't want to see that either.

For goodness sake.

Certainly wasn't my intention to defend her, out-rightly or veiled. I am most definitely condemning her comments and disagree with them wholeheartedly

[Cherie]

:thumbs:



Certainly wasn't my intention to defend her, out-rightly or veiled. I am most definitely condemning her comments and disagree with them wholeheartedly

At no point did it come across as you defending her comments Niamh, rest assured

[Tom4784]

Not those ones no, hag was one though which is a popular sexist slur for women over probably 30 at this stage

Seems a bit overly sensitive but for you, I'd take it back, she's not a hag, she's just an all round rotten dickhead.

[Niamh.]

Seems a bit overly sensitive but for you, I'd take it back, she's not a hag, she's just an all round rotten dickhead.:love: that's a fair analysis