This post is just a bit of filler while I attend the Liberal Conspiracy / Guardian event in London today, but is to highlight two stories that have some serious relevance to homosexual rights in this country. The first is regarding the Heinz advert that has been pulled by the company following 200 homophobic complaints about the innocuous contents. The second is the much more dangerous statement by Jacqui Smith that has the audacity to try and tell homosexuals to tone down their behaviour so as to not get caught by the homophobic Iranian officials.

The Heinz advert is such a strange situation. The content means it can't be shown around the time when kids are most likely to be viewing the TV (though it won't mean no kid can see it), and it is completely harmless. It features a "normal" morning situation of a parent getting their kids school lunches together before kissing the other parent goodbye, it just so happens both the parents are male.

Would this advert have been complained about or pulled if it had featured a heterosexual couple? I think it wouldn't, and the idea that this could have been based on concerns that parents would have to talk to their kids about same sex relationships, or that a gay peck on the lips is offensive is ludicrous. I shall be writing to Heinz to complain about their caving in to the homophobic idiots of this country and not having the courage to stand up for their convictions, it’d be nice if a few other people would too.

The second thing is Jacqui Smith's comments. She is desperately trying to justify sending gay Iranian teenagers to their death by deporting them back to Iran that she has come up with the latest of a long line of absolute turd to stream from her mouth. It seems that Iranian homosexuals don't actually have a problem with persecution; at least they wouldn’t if they'd keep their gayness under wraps like all good homosexuals would, eh? I mean, how dare homosexuals go around thinking they can just act like normal people, with their partners holding hands, or showing signs of affection? How dare they embrace who they are while not wanting to fear being hung publicly for doing so?

You go Jacqui Smith, holding the banner for Labour's tolerance and compassion on human rights and civil liberties. It's just a shame she’s holding it back to front, upside down and over a roaring bonfire. I've written to my MP asking if he believes in the message Smith is advocating and for him to ask for an explanation, we'll see if that goes anywhere.