House of Lords Vote to Eject Homophobic Peer

The House of Lords has voted 408 to 24 to suspend Lord Maginnis, former MP for the Ulster Unionist Party, following a report into his abusive conduct recommended his behaviour breached the rules and warranted suspension.

Of the 24 Peers who voted for Lord Maginnis to remain include the Earl of Sandwich, Lord Moore of Etchingham, and Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury. Despite their efforts, Lord Maginnis is suspended for a minimum of 18 months, although many believe that he will not return at all. This relates to a statement given by Lord Maginnis which stated his objection to being required to undertake a course relating to his behaviour, mandated by the Parliamentary authorities, in order to return.

In terms of conduct, Maginnis was investigated following reports of directing homophobic abuse at Hannah Bardell MP (SNP) and Luke Pollard MP (LAB), as well as Security Officer Christian Bombolo. The abuse against Bomobolo, which occurred back in January when Lord Maginnis tried to enter the Palace of Westminster without his security pass, was described by Bardell MP as "one of the worst cases of abuse of security staff [she] had seen".

In response, Lord Maginnis accused Bardell MP of criticising him only because she is "a Queer", and suggesting she was looking for publicity. He described Pollard and Bardell MPs as "Queers" further in an email titled "Discrimination by Homos". Ironically, Lord Maginnis mentioned in the same email how he would not be bullied or intimidated.

In response, Hannah Bardell MP made a statement reaffirming her belief that reporting the incident was the right thing to do, despite the abuse.

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