Complaint
The programme included an interview with Kate Barker of the LGB Alliance. A listener complained the interviewer subjected her to disproportionate challenge compared with other guests and displayed homophobic bias towards her by suggestion her view that lesbians should be defined as biological women might be considered offensive. The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the 91福利社鈥檚 editorial standards of impartiality.
Outcome
The interview was one of a series which explored different perspectives on the recent Supreme Court judgement on the meaning of 鈥渟ex鈥 in the Equality Act 2010. The ECU did not agree Ms Barker was challenged to a degree which was disproportionate in comparison with other contributors to the series, and considered she was given ample opportunity to set out and defend her views. In putting to her the suggestion that some might find her views 鈥渙ffensive to their gender identity鈥, the interviewer was giving her an opportunity to respond to a criticism often levelled at the LGB alliance, not expressing a view of her own, homophobic or otherwise.
Not upheld