Spectator columnist claims need for poppers proves gay sex is “unnatural and perverse”
The writer has been heavily condemned for criticising gay men who use poppers during sex.
In his latest column, the writer states that gay men’s need to use poppers and lube during sex is “God’s way of telling you that what you’re about to do is unnatural and perverse”.
Liddle – associate editor of The Spectator – wrote the piece in response to recent opposition to a blanket ban of legal highs.
His column came after Crispin Blunt – the Conservative MP for Reigate – admitted to being a user of the drug, during a House of Commons debate on the Psychoactive Substances Bill, saying he was astonished by the ban.
Liddle, however, failed to appreciate the MPs honesty, titling his latest piece: ‘Did we really have to hear all about Crispin Blunt’s sex life?’
“I would have thought that the requirement for amyl nitrate (poppers) to relax the sphincter muscle and lube to accommodate entry was God’s way of telling you that what you’re about to do is unnatural and perverse,” he wrote.
“Or your body’s way of telling you – your call.”
Liddle – who has a history of both homophobia and transphobia – concluded his piece by championing the ban of poppers, saying it was “very bad for you”, and suggesting Blunt and other gay men could use a crowbar instead.
Stonewall were quick to criticise the journalist’s comments – but said it “wouldn’t expect anything less” from “repeat offending bigots” like Liddle.
“The Government’s move for an immediate review of whether poppers are harmful is right, but banning them before this review is concluded is unacceptable,” a spokesperson for the charity told The Huffington Post.
“It will cause confusion and drive gay and bi men who use poppers to seek out illegal drug suppliers from April onwards, putting their health at serious risk.”
Parliament voted last week to approve a blanket ‘legal highs’ ban that will prohibit the sale of drugs including alkyl nitrites, commonly used by gay men to help relax the anal sphincter muscles for anal sex.
Home Secretary Theresa May pushed through the legislation to make poppers illegal alongside substances such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
