Dominic Raab is no more keen on the Equality Act than he is on the Human Rights Act
Esher and Walton MP Dominic Raab has just been made justice minister alongside Michael Gove.
Raab is a longtime critic of the Human Rights Act – this appointment looks like David Cameron’s way of saying he is serious about scrapping it. In January 2014 Raab voted to allow human rights grounds to be used to prevent a foreign criminal being deported only in cases where there would be a breach of right to life or the right not to be tortured.
In 2013, he voted to remove the duty on the Commission for Equality and Human Rights to work to support the development of a society in which people’s ability to achieve their potential is not limited by prejudice or discrimination.
And in 2013 he also voted against making it illegal to discriminate on grounds of caste.
Raab also took an unusual stance on gender equality in 2011, when he expressed his fears that ‘from the cradle to the grave, men are getting a raw deal’. He attacked the ‘obnoxious bigotry’ of feminists and complained that men work longer hours than women (no mention of pay gap etc).
“While we have some of the toughest anti-discrimination laws in the world, we are blind to some of the most flagrant discrimination – against men.”
Seeming to have fallen at the first hurdle – assuming that feminism is anti-men – Raab also suggested that men start ‘burning their briefs’, presumably as a long- overdue retaliation against the feminists of the sixties (who did not, in fact, burn their bras.)
Raab’s diatribe continued:
“Britain’s not perfect, and we will never eradicate all human prejudice.”
This is especially true when we do not understand that prejudice. Another interesting choice from David Cameron.
Ruby Stockham is a staff writer at Left Foot Forward. Follow her on Twitter
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398 Responses to “He thinks feminists are ‘obnoxious bigots’: meet the new justice minister”
fmf
If you feel there has not been enough support from existing gendered solutions, that’s a different question.
fmf
Essay much? Tl:Dr, you’re not a lecturer, I’m not your student, I’m under no obligations to you and it’s extremely arrogant to assume I will. Next time, waste less words plz.
Rex Duis
If you wish to remain an ignorant troll you are welcome to do so, but don’t come onto forums mouthing off and not expect responses. Dealing with the consequences of your actions is a sign of maturity and your last post demonstrated your maturity level as that of, about 13 or 14 I’d say, having worked with that age group.
Rex Duis
Here’s the cut down version since you are too lazy and rude to read and form an intelligent response.
You’re hung up on the term ‘feminism’. If you support Equality change to Equality.
No one is ‘clinging’ to gender binary. It’s just how we are. Accept it and deal.
We are very different, especially mentally. Our bodies influence our choices as much as, if not more so than, ‘social’ constructs. Can’t change it. Deal.
Tnx
Rashmi Singhania
Let feminism be the light in your life. Amen to that.