Anger after new Hertsmere mayor refuses to retract comments on homosexuality

Rabbi Plancey, who was appointed mayor last Wednesday, stood by the 2014 comments during a recent interview with BBC Three Counties Radio. 

“There was nothing in that video which was controversial,” he told the radio programme last week, denying accusations of homophobia and insisting all he did was “quote the Torah.”

He added that he believed in equality but did not like “demonstrations.” 

“I don’t like people coming out, putting up flags because they are more important than anybody else. They are not. They are equal. We should all be living the same life together, equal.” 

A regional LGBT+ Labour society called on Rabbi Plancey to retract his comments and apologise “for the hurt and pain he has caused so many.”

Ella Rose and Oli Kasin, co-chairs of LGBT+ Labour London, issued a statement on Thursday. “As two LGBT+ Jews, we know the damage this does to those in our community who are not yet out. 

“This is especially concerning given the Mayor’s seat in education and young people’s Committees on the council,” they said. 

“In 2020 there are no excuses for homophobia. Equal rights and acceptance have never been given to LGBT+ people, they have been loudly demanded and hard fought for. 

“Any ideas that the LGBT+ community should hide in shame have no place in this country or century,” they added.