Andy Burnham's LGBT Equality Stance Has Damaged Relationships In His Family | HuffPost

Andy Burnham Reveals What His Views On LGBT Equality Have Done To His Family

Kathryn Snowdon— The Huffington Post UK

|

Labour leadership candidate Andy Burnham revealed that, by supporting LGBT equality, he has damaged relationships within his own family.

The favourite in the Labour leadership contest hit back at claims he had "questions to answer" on LGBT rights.

An article published in the New Statesman said that there were some "serious question marks" about comments the 45-year-old had made in the past.

Andy Burnham has revealed that his views on LGBT equality has damaged relationships in his family

The article highlights that Burnham, a dedicated Catholic, twice voted in favour of amendments that sought to discriminate against lesbian couples back in 2008.

Burnham also abstained on three votes about same-sex adoption, the New Statesman reports.

The article continues: "It’s clear Andy Burnham, for whatever reasons, has an issue with gay couples parenting as freely as he can.

"It’s great that Labour are having a broad debate – but should gay and lesbian rights really be up for discussion?"

Burnham has hit back at the comments in the New Statesman. In an interview published in Pink News - Europe's largest gay news service - Burnham says the criticism of his record on LGBT rights is "hurtful" and "unfair".

Burnham tells Pink News that over his 14 years in Parliament he has "voted for everything" on LGBT rights. He adds that he missed a vote in 2002 because he was on paternity leave as his daughter had just been born.

SEE ALSO:
Ireland Gay Marriage Referendum Victory Means Same-Sex Weddings This Year
Andy Burnham Says England Should Boycott World Cup In Russia
Burnham First To Get On Ballot In Labour Leader Race

He continues: “The reason why I say it’s quite hurtful is because that has put me at odds, I have been repeatedly at odds with the Catholic church for all of my time as an MP. I have always been going against what they were saying, and that is challenging.

“That creates a personal challenge – I’ve been at odds with my own family, and that has been to some personal cost at times in terms of relationships with people.

"I don’t say this to elicit any sympathy but a relative of mine died last night who was a councillor on Liverpool city council for many years, and he and I were very close, but the one time we fell out massively was over same-sex marriage, and it was a real fall-out."

Last month, Burnham called on Pope Francis to support gay rights after Ireland voted to legalise sam-sex marriage.

Using his column in The Daily Mirror, Burnham wrote about the Pontiff: "He is the right man to seize this moment and, taking his cue from his flock in Ireland, bring the Church into the 21st century.”

Ireland votes for same-sex marriages

Ireland Gay Marriage(01 of21)

Rory O'Neill, known by the Drag persona Panti, celebrates with yes supporters at Dublin Castle, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ireland Gay Marriage(02 of21)

Irish Senator Katherine Zappone, right, and partner Ann Louise Gilligan celebrate as the first results in the Irish referendum start to filter through at Dublin Castle, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ireland Gay Marriage(03 of21)

A couple wait for the final result in the Irish referendum at Dublin castle, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ireland Gay Marriage(04 of21)

Rory O'Neill, known by the Drag persona Panti, celebrates with yes supporters at Dublin Castle, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ireland Gay Marriage(05 of21)

Irish Senator Katherine Zappone, right, and partner Ann Louise Gilligan celebrate as the first results in the Irish referendum start to filter through at Dublin Castle, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ireland Gay Marriage(06 of21)

Yes supporters react at Dublin castle, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ireland Gay Marriage(07 of21)

Yes supporters react at Dublin castle, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ireland Gay Marriage(08 of21)

Yes supporters react at Dublin castle, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ireland Gay Marriage(09 of21)

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, right, and Deputy Prime Minister Joan Burton celebrate at Dublin castle, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ireland Gay Marriage(10 of21)

Helen Kelleher and Elin Adler kiss as early results begin to filter through on the referendum in Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ireland Gay Marriage(11 of21)

Two women kiss as first results in the referendum begin to filter through at Dublin castle, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ireland Gay Marriage(12 of21)

Yes supporters celebrate as first results begin to filter through in referendum at Dublin castle, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ireland Gay Marriage(13 of21)

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams meets yes supporters at Dublin castle, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ireland Gay Marriage(14 of21)

Two men kiss as first results start to filter through in the referendum, Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ireland Gay Marriage(15 of21)

Rory O'Neill, known by the Drag persona Panti, celebrates with yes supporters at Dublin Castle, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ireland Gay Marriage(16 of21)

Yes supporters wait for the final result in the Irish referendum at Dublin Castle, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ireland Gay Marriage(17 of21)

Rory O'Neill, known by the Drag persona Panti, celebrates with Colm O'Gorman, executive director of Amnesty International in Ireland, at Dublin Castle, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ireland Gay Marriage(18 of21)

Yes supporters celebrate after the final result at Dublin castle, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ireland Gay Marriage(19 of21)

Yes supporters celebrate at Dublin castle, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

APTOPIX Ireland Gay Marriage(20 of21)

Tally counter Rhonda Donaghy is seen at the RDS count centre, Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

APTOPIX Ireland Gay Marriage(21 of21)

Rory O'Neill, known by the Drag persona Panti, celebrates with yes supporters at Dublin Castle, Ireland, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ireland has voted resoundingly to legalize gay marriage in the world's first national vote on the issue, leaders on both sides of the Irish referendum declared Saturday even as official ballot counting continued. Senior figures from the "no" campaign, who sought to prevent Ireland's constitution from being amended to permit same-sex marriages, say the only question is how large the "yes" side's margin of victory will be from Friday's vote. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Suggest a correction

|

What's Hot

Judge Calls Out Trump For Making False Claims About Gag Order

I Hit The Jackpot With The Tradwife Lifestyle Until it All Came Crashing Down

Exclusive: Two More Tory MPs Could Defect To Labour Before The Election

Suella Braverman Calls For Tories To Swing Further To The Right In Furious Tirade Against Rishi Sunak