Rotherham UKIP councillor Brian Cutts under fire over gay foster parents comments

A COUNCILLOR was brought before the standards board for saying gay people should not be allowed to foster or adopt children.
By Gareth Dennison
Published 21st Sep 2018, 11:01 BST
Updated 21st Sep 2018, 11:46 BST

Cllr Brian Cutts (pictured) made his comments during a private members’ seminar ahead of a public session of the Improving Lives Select Commission.

He was reported by then chairman Cllr Maggi Clark, who was concerned he had broken Rotherham Borough Council’s code of conduct.

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But Cllr Cutts defended his position at the standards hearing last Friday — and said: “Should not councillors have the right or duty to question policies? 

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“It was never my intention to offend. I have absolute respect for my lesbian and gay friends. I wholeheartedly support their right to pursue the lifestyle given to them.

“However, their rights should be balanced against the rights of other members of society, especially the rights of children.

“I believe the fundamental right of all children is to be nurtured by a mother and father. They fulfil different and complementary roles.”

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Cllr Cutts was not a member of the Improving Lives commission but attended in his regular capacity as a councillor on March 13.

Meeting papers seen by the Advertiser say Cllr Cutts' views were challenged "firmly but respectfully" in the pre-meeting - an informal rehearsal for the public session in the town hall chamber.

His behaviour was described as "unacceptable and unpalatable" for comments which went against the council's equality duties - and potentially bringing the role of councillor into disrepute.

He is also alleged to have made a further remark about knowing which side of the road to drive on and "driving straight".

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Cllr Clark said: "I put in a member's complaint to the standards board because I was concerned he had broken the code of conduct.

"There is so much talk about how we expect councillors to be more appropriate and more responsible, which is why I decided to take this forward."

It was recommended that Cllr Cutts be removed from the Improving Places Select Commission and the police and crime panel, as well as undergoing extra training.

The UKIP group has indicated it will appeal.