Tim Farron's gay sex beliefs mocked by annual Liberal Democrat conference singalong
‘For every interview, no matter when or where or whom, has gay sex in common too. It’s a sin’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tim Farron has been mocked at the Liberal Democrats’ annual singalong as delegates targeted his views on gay sex.
Taking aim at the former party leader – in their booklet of largely self-deprecating lyrics – the party faithful gathered in a room on the final evening of conference for their “Glee Club”.
During the general election campaign last year, Mr Farron faced repeated questions over his attitude towards homosexuality, which overshadowed attempts to focus the party’s campaign on Brexit.
He eventually claimed that he did not believe gay sex was a sin, but several months later he said he regretted his remarks.
The debacle, however, is now the focus of one new song in the 2018 edition of the Liberal Democrats’ Glee Club song book, which starts with the lyrics: “When I go back upon Newsnight, you know it’s going to cause you pain. I’m speaking on gay sex again.”
It goes on: “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.
“Every speech I’ve ever done, spring and autumn conference too, bet you wish I’d just shut up, it’s a sin.”
Another song takes aim at the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, Arlene Foster, who is currently responsible for propping up Theresa May’s fragile government through a supply and confidence arrangement.
The song reads: “Arlene, Arlene, Arlene, Arlene, I’m begging of you please don’t stop my plan... Arlene, Arlene, Arlene, Arlene, please don’t stop it just because you can.”
“I had to have this talk with you, my happiness depends on you, and whatever you decide to do, Arlene, on election night just made me sob, and you could easily take my job, but you don’t know what it means to me Arlene.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments