Rock Bottom: The DUP and Us.
As much as I try to be open and honest, there are two things I don’t often get into conversation with people over;
Religion and Politics
Today, however, I’m going to break one of those rules. Although only a little bit, though. Regular programming will resume shortly.
With Trump being elected President of one of the most powerful countries in the world and the United Kingdom voting to leave the European Union, 2017 seems to be the year of absolute chaos politically. There is uncertainty, a lack of stability and, quite frankly, a lot of panic.
This morning made it no better, but what tipped me over the edge was finding out that our Prime Minister, for the sake of making her side “stronger”, has sided with a party against all that I stand for.
The DUP
Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party gained ten seats during last nights election. TEN. But it was those ten seats that won / will win the Tory side a higher majority and a “stronger” side.
For the sake of what? Being able to pass new policy? Creating a stronger Brexit deal? Who know’s. But what they’ve done is create more problems for themselves, and potentially their people. I can’t imagine what deal has been made for the DUP to agree to form a coalition – it’s hardly a gold medal. The DUP is well renowned for their religious led political views, with their most controversial policies being around climate change, abortion, and LGBT rights.
What does this mean for us?
Will I suddenly be refused business because of who I love thanks to a ‘conscience clause‘?
Will my son face prejudice (any more than what we worry about already) or be the subject of child protection issues because bigots believe that “children of [Rainbow Families] are more likely to be abused or neglected?”
Will female or my niece be refused the right to choose what happens to their bodies thanks to archaic abortion laws?
Will my marriage be null and voided because others feel we don’t “conform” to “traditional” marriage values?
Those are but a few of the policies that are out there in the open that the DUP don’t deny and have no qualms about pushing through parliament, not to mention their sexist views, and dangerous beliefs.
I’m worried. Angry. Scared.
Although “winning” an election means you have more physical seats, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can change law. It still has to pass through parliament. The other seats. And thank the gods.
But with coalitions forming, I still can’t help the little niggles that are forming and growing in my head thanks to the uncertainty that is my very own government. The future does not look bright.
This is horrendous. But – I think it will also show you how much support there is out there for LGBT rights. Because I am quite sure I am in the majority in saying that if your rights as a couple were threatened due to some ridiculous political decision, I would be out there on the streets protesting with you.
Nat.x
Thanks Hun. It’s really appreciated. I know there is a lot more support in parliament than there was maybe even 2-3 years ago but it’s still a shocker to see a group like the DUP so close to the top.
It is dark days but we have to hope that common sense and good will win the votes when they arise.
Dark days lie ahead for sure but I’m fairly positive this is far from over
Keep calm and wait for the dust to settle
It’s horrendous. I was aware of the DUP beforehand because of loudly political friends in Northern Ireland, but I wasn’t aware of JUST HOW AWFUL they are until after the election. I can’t get my head around why they’re being allowed this power, why the Queen didn’t just go “Nope” when Theresa May asked for her permission. The next few years are terrifying.
Exactly. Amongst other problems with this setup, how can the U.K. now facilitate / mediate between the DUP and Sinn Fein – they’re hardly imperial now. It’s all absurd.
Although I didn’t pay attention to what a coalition was in previous years, I currently can’t actually believe that such a thing is possible. Like you say, how can a party with only 10 seats become so powerful? The possibilities are terrifying, and I can’t help but feel like a coalition shouldn’t actually be allowed. It just doesn’t make sense. It definitely does not show ‘the will of the people.’
I would like to hope that common sense will prevail, but recent history has made me much less sure…
I’m so glad you’ve wrote about this, I wish more people would. It’s scary who’s in charge of this country 🙁
It’s terrifying, isn’t it? Thankfully I’m hoping the support of the people and the other parties will see off any horrible changes to our laws.
I still can’t believe they would even consider any kind of partnership with such a party.
Very. The more I understand about politics the more shocked I am by it. How have they been allowed to form a coalition without the public say so? I didn’t vote for the DUP (or get the choice to!) so they shouldn’t be allowed to be in my government.
The future really doesn’t look bright at all, but it’s interesting that several days on, the Queen’s speech has been delayed. I haven’t seen a single person who thinks it’s a good idea for the Conservatives to get into bed with the DUP. There is so much support for LGBT rights in the UK now, that we can only hope the DUP will have no influence whatsoever over government policy.