# @pinknews on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DOTbmXpDPnz
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/34303865-pinknews-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/03cd969002.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-09-07T14:00:17.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** PinkNews (@pinknews) — https://gondola.cc/pinknews

## Caption

Labour’s latest Cabinet reshuffle has put Shabana Mahmood into one of the most powerful jobs in government, that of Home Secretary. But what exactly is her stance on LGBTQ+ rights, and what could her new role mean for LGBTQ+ people in the UK?

Back in 2019, Mahmood came under fire after raising concerns in Parliament over LGBTQ+-inclusive lessons being taught in primary schools. She said she was reflecting her constituents’ worries over “age appropriateness”, a position that quickly drew criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates.

She later clarified: “Nowhere have I said LGBT relationships should not be taught because that’s not my position. Nowhere have I backed the terrible homophobic banners and hostile protests at Parkfield school - because they are wrong, defeatist and feed the very prejudices I want to help eradicate.”

Mahmood, who voted in favour of same-sex marriage back in 2013, added that her concern was solely about how young children, particularly those from religious backgrounds, were being introduced to these conversations.

More recently, Mahmood’s comments on gender identity have raised concerns among trans rights campaigners. In a 2024 interview with The Telegraph, while serving as Shadow Justice Secretary, Mahmood voiced support for gender-critical views on sex and gender, saying people are “perfectly entitled” to express them, and noting that many have had to go to court to defend their right to free speech. She argued that people should not lose their jobs for holding views that are “perfectly legal,” including the belief “that biological sex is real and immutable” – a position that Mahmood also agrees with.
Mahmood previously said the debate around trans rights and J.K. Rowling had become “toxic”, and  emphasised that legal protections must be available to all, stating: “Everyone should be able to take refuge in the laws of our land; they’re there to protect everybody.”

While the new Home Secretary has a proven track record on LGBTQ+ rights, including her support for same-sex marriage, her comments surrounding sex and gender identity suggest she could remain a divisive figure in the party.

#UKPolitics #Labour #ShabanaMahmood #lgbtqia

## Stats

- **Views:** 9,845
- **Likes:** 854
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 79

## Tags

ukpolitics, labour, shabanamahmood, lgbtqia

---
Copyright (c) Gondola