“I’m not in a position to be making theological pronouncements.”
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Tim Farron, has received criticism for refusing to say whether or not he thinks homosexuality is a sin.
The evangelical Christian has been a champion of LGBT+ rights during his political career. However, during an appearance on Channel 4 News to discuss Theresa May’s announcement of a snap general election on 8 June, newsreader Cathy Farron asked him:
“A while back I asked you whether it was true that you believed homosexuality was a sin, and you struggled to answer. Now you’ve had a while to consider that question, what is the answer?”
He replied:
“I don’t think I struggled to answer, I talked about how I’m not in a position to be making theological pronouncements. I can promise you one thing, over the next six weeks I’m not going to spend my time talking theology or making pronouncements.
“As a liberal, I’m passionate about equality – about equal marriage, about equal rights for LGBT people, fighting not just for LGBT rights in this country but overseas.”
He added:
“Just because I’m a Christian, it would be a bit boring for everybody if over the next six weeks I’m being asked to make theological pronouncements. I am not planning to do so.”
Although Farron abstained from voting on same-sex marriage in 2013, apart from that he does have a consistently good record on voting for LGBT+ equality. Following the 2013 vote, he stated that he regretted his decision to abstain in an interview with The Observer.
Former Lib Dem MP Lynne Featherstone took to Twitter to defend Farron after his Channel 4 News appearance.
Turn your attack on those religions that make their followers choose between their sexuality and their faith. Tim is solid on lgbt rights https://t.co/UxuXW7LpHK
— Lynne Featherstone (@lfeatherstone) April 18, 2017
