Portrait of Boris Johnson
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Boris Johnson on Gay Marriage

Evolved support for equality (moderate)

Boris Johnson's views on gay marriage have shown a distinct evolution over his career, marked by a contrast between past journalistic commentary and later political actions and statements. During his time as a journalist in the 1990s and early 2000s, Johnson expressed uncertainty and made remarks suggesting a broad view of marriage, notably writing that if gay marriage was acceptable, he saw no logical reason against unions between three men or even three men and a dog. However, as he moved into mainstream Conservative politics, his stance shifted; he became an early champion of marriage equality within his party and publicly expressed support for the concept well before it became party consensus. His later actions as Mayor of London and Prime Minister have generally aligned with protecting and extending LGBTQ+ rights, although his earlier record remains a point of contention.

Context

Boris Johnson's position on social issues like gay marriage is often viewed through the lens of his wider political identity, which commentators describe as an attempt to blend liberal social views with traditional Conservative stances, sometimes leading to accusations of expediency. His actions and statements on LGBTQ+ issues, including his role in the Conservative Party's evolving stance, are significant because he was a leading figure who shifted the party's direction on several equality matters while serving as Mayor of London and later as Prime Minister.

Timeline

  1. Johnson wrote about gay marriage in The Telegraph, suggesting he was uncertain on the issue but saw no reason in principle why a union shouldn't be consecrated between three men or even three men and a dog.
  2. In his book, Friends, Voters, Countrymen, Johnson reiterated his position regarding gay marriage, framing it as a question of principle regarding equality, though still using a colourful analogy.
  3. As an MP, Johnson voted in favour of repealing Section 28, legislation that banned the promotion of homosexuality in schools.
  4. He voted in favour of civil partnerships, which granted same-sex couples legal recognition similar to marriage, although he was absent for votes on related adoption and transgender recognition legislation.
  5. As Mayor of London, Johnson publicly expressed support for marriage equality, marking him as one of the most high-profile Conservatives to do so at that time.
  6. As Foreign Secretary, Johnson lifted the ban on UK embassies flying the Pride flag during Pride events.

Key Quotes

if gay marriage was OK – and I was uncertain on the issue – then I saw no reason in principle why a union should not be consecrated between three men, as well as two men, or indeed three men and a dog.

Book: Friends, Voters, Countrymen January 1, 2001 — Stating his early, qualified view on same-sex marriage.

It's wrong to say that because of how you love and who you love, you are not entitled to the same rights as others. It's wrong because inequality is wrong.

Speech/Hustings (context suggests this sentiment was expressed around or after his leadership bid) February 15, 2020 — Articulating his belief in equal rights regarding same-sex relationships.

Criticism

Peter Tatchell Foundation

Noted that Johnson's past insulting utterances, such as calling gay men 'tank-topped bumboys,' count against him, despite his later support for marriage equality.

Critics during 2012 Mayoral Race

He was criticised for scaling back Pride festivities and declining to march in the London Pride parade in 2012, suggesting a wavering commitment.