In a notable incident at the Conservative Party Conference, Andrew Boff, a prominent member of the Tory party and an openly gay politician, was removed from the main conference auditorium after accusing Home Secretary Suella Braverman of “bullying” the LGBTQ+ community. Boff’s quiet protest came as Braverman made remarks suggesting the UK would “go properly woke” under opposition leader Keir Starmer, citing “gender ideology, white privilege, and anti-British history” as concerning developments.
Boff, who has been a dedicated Tory for over half a century, discreetly commented that Braverman’s speech was “trash” and raised concerns that it was portraying the Conservative Party as “transphobic and homophobic.” He challenged Braverman’s use of terms like “gender ideology,” asserting, “There’s no such thing as gender ideology.” Security guards promptly escorted Boff out of the conference center.
Outside the venue, Boff didn’t mince words, accusing Braverman of “bullying” and “vilifying” LGBTQ+ people. He regarded her remarks as “objectionable” and a form of bullying against the transgender community and LGBTQ+ individuals. Boff emphasized that the concept of “gender ideology” was fictitious and criticized her divisive rhetoric.
Boff’s protest highlighted growing concerns within the Conservative Party about the tone of some speeches. Several Conservative MPs, while not necessarily endorsing Boff’s actions, expressed frustration over the treatment he received from security staff. Some argued that it was unnecessarily “heavy-handed” and contrary to the party’s tradition of open discussion and diverse viewpoints.
Braverman’s recent remarks about the LGBTQ+ community have stirred controversy, with her support for keeping trans women out of women’s hospital wards drawing significant criticism. As the debate around LGBTQ+ rights continues, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the Conservative Party’s stance on these important issues. The incident involving Andrew Boff serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing dialogue within the party concerning LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.
In a statement following the incident, Braverman acknowledged that Boff’s comments were “silly” and suggested that he should be “forgiven and let back into the conference.” Nonetheless, the controversy surrounding her remarks underscores the need for a deeper discussion about LGBTQ+ rights and representation within the Conservative Party.