Julian Lewis, Tory incumbent for New Forest East, last week made some remarks that many people were understandably pissed off by. With many calling for him to be sacked from the Tory Party — who according to Cameron aren’t homophobes any more — even Alan Johnson called for the resignation. Some people thought this call was unfair – tory rascal said it’s fine, he’s not a homophobe, just  “a bit out of touch”, as if that’s any better.

Julian claims he wants “respect for the truth“. He also claims that there is an elevated risk of HIV transmission via homosexual contact. This is why he voted against lowering the homosexual age of consent on 22 June 1998. (you can see his full, shameful, voting record on gay rights at theyworkforyou.)

Surely he must have based this vote on evidence, right? Given his desire for the truth, and that nobody would just unfairly discriminate against a section of society due to their preferences, it must absolutely be the case that, at the very least, in 1998, homosexuals were at more risk of contracting of contracting HIV, right?

WRONG.

Since 1997,  there has been a higher rate of HIV transmission from hetereosexual contact, than homosexual contact.

Line Graph showing HIV transmission routes in UK (source: http://www.avert.org/uk-transmission-route.htm )

As you can see, from 1997 onwards, heterosexuals have been at greater risk than homosexuals. Which means even back when Julian Lewis voted against gay rights, his opinion was wrong. And it’s still not true now, indeed, it’s not even equal risk. Heterosexuals, based on recent figures from the Health Protection Agency, have a 44% chance of acquiring HIV through contact, as opposed to 2000 less homosexuals, with a 43% chance.

So, Julian. There’s my respect for the truth. Where’s yours?

Julian Lewis, Tory incumbent for New Forest East, last week made some remarks that many people were understandably pissed off by. With many calling for him to be sacked from...