Mayor pleads innocent to heterosexism

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A former Cambridge mayor has been accused of “heterosexism” after he asked for more family homes to be built.

Liberal Democrat Councillor John Hipkin, who has a gay brother, told the BBC that he took “deep exception” to a complaint made to Cambridge Council over his demand for more family housing.

“The government is demanding that 47,000 homes be built in the Cambridge sub-region by 2016.

“My only point is that we must make provision for families,” Hipkin said.

“Yet by saying it, I get accused of being homophobic with the only mitigating factor being that I don’t consciously know I am,” he added.

The complaint was made by The Lesbian, Gay and Transsexual group, which represents members on the council.

They accused Hipkin of unintentionally discriminating against gay and lesbians.

Hipkin contended that “family homes can be built for gay people with children.”

Hipkin currently represents Cambridge’s Castle ward and was first elected in May 1992.

Elections for a new city council will be held in May this year.

The Liberal Democrats hold the Cambridge Council by a majority of 14 seats.

The Pink Festival, one of Europe’s largest free LGBT event, is held annually in Cambridge.

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