Michael Gove trivialised violence against women for cheap laughs, and we won’t forgive him so quickly

Today Michael Gove decided that he would try to be funny – at the expense of victims of sexual assault.

As a guest on a special 60th birthday episode of the Today programme, Gove and his fellow contributors were discussing Radio 4’s reputation for making interviewees squirm. Gove quipped: “Sometimes I think coming into the studio with you, John [Humphrys], is a bit like going into Harvey Weinstein’s bedroom – you hope to emerge with your dignity intact.”

Unless the Secretary of State for the environment has been living under a rock for the last month, he will be aware of the serious, disturbing and numerous allegations that Weinstein faces. Dozens of women have come forward with details of their harrowing experiences, shining a light on how the Hollywood mogul used and abused his power in Hollywood for sexual gratification.

To joke about such a subject is disgusting. Gove has apologised and he should indeed be ashamed.

Supporters of the cabinet minister may argue that he meant no harm and his quick apology should ensure the matter is done with.

However, such a quick dismissal would be to overlook the power that men like him wield while they are making such jokes. One of the biggest issues that women face in society is being heard, to be respected and taken seriously. For women to have stood up and spoken out against Weinstein is an incredible feat in itself. These brave victims have made themselves vulnerable to scrutiny and doubt, and now they are repaid for that bravery by being undermined and ridiculed.

After all, if we can joke about what they’ve been through, surely their accusations were not that bad?

Some women are never able to speak out. Some women don’t have the platform to do so or the necessary support. Some may never feel comfortable enough to talk, especially when people like Gove trivialise assault in pursuit of cheap laughs.

As a cabinet minister speaking on national radio, Gove could be using his power and his platform to do something constructive rather than divisive. He could have used the opportunity to speak out against Weinstein and promote change. He could have questioned why Weinstein is able to hold on to his CBE. He could have praised the victims’ bravery. He could have talked about how people, and men in particular, need to do more – call for action, call for change against sexism – rather than just make the “I’m so disgusted” statement on social media.

Such serious faux-pas such as Gove’s are by no means confined to this one incident. The problem of laughing off sexism is endemic. From Neil Kinnock’s response on Radio 4 to Gove’s comment (”John goes way beyond groping”), to James Corden’s miserable attempt at humour during a black-tie charity event in Los Angeles, it is clear to see that the problem runs deep.

While people continue to shrug off violence against women as a joke or a laugh, it normalises bad behaviour and does nothing to educate or prevent further attacks, while the people who do not laugh at the one-liners are depicted as humourless.

Until we all agree that these jokes are demeaning and dismissive, we are never going make progress in trying to eradicate rape culture and move towards equality.

In this instance Gove may have hoped to leave the studio with his dignity intact, but he did not do so.