Ann Widdecombe says science may 'produce an answer' to being gay

Brexit Party MEP accused of ‘poisonous bigotry’ over her views on gay conversion therapy

Ann Widdecombe has been accused of “poisonous bigotry” after she suggested science might ”produce an answer” to being gay.

The Brexit Party MEP made the comment after being questioned in a Sky News interview on an article she wrote about gay conversion therapy in 2012.

She began by comparing it to changing gender adding: “There was a time when we thought it was quite impossible for men to become women and vice versa.

“The fact that we think it is now quite impossible for people to switch sexuality doesn’t mean that science might not be able to produce an answer at some stage.”

Ms Widdecombe claimed that the possibility of changing sexuality should not be ruled out in future.

She added: “You are denying people who are confused about their sexuality or discontented with it, the chances that you do give to people that want to change gender.

“I do not imagine for one moment that the Brexit Party will be putting forward a policy on gay sex changes in its manifesto.”

Labour MP Luke Pollard, whose Plymouth constituency is part of the southwest area represented by Ms Widdecombe in Europe, said the MEP was “continuing her sick anti-LGBT campaign”.

He tweeted: “Utterly ashamed to be represented by this vile woman. Being gay isn’t a disease to be cured.”

Independent MP Nick Boles tweeted: “If only science could produce an answer to the blight of poisonous bigotry that is Ann Widdecombe.” The actor Stephen Fry made a similar comment.

Labour MP Stephen Doughty said: “Widdecombe is sick, disgusting and dangerous. Her comments put vulnerable LGBT+ at risk – especially young people. Surely she will now he expelled from the Brexit Party?”

Conservative MP Justine Greening responded: “We don’t need a cure for love.”

During her political career, Ms Widdecombe repeatedly voted against significant equality legislation including civil partnerships, reducing the age of consent for homosexual sex and adoption by gay couples.

Last year she criticised Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for saying they want to prioritise LGBT+ rights.

Theresa May vowed to eradicate the “abhorrent” practice of gay conversion therapy last July after announcing the results of a nationwide LGBT+ survey.