UK – Human Rights Day – in the House of Commons

The great chance in Parliament to discuss human rights in general terms put the lie to the idea that "every day is men's day" and illustrated yet again that—particularly among our politicians—every day is women's day.

Debbie Abrahams Labour, Oldham East and Saddleworth started well, pointing out that Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone document that contains the statements that we should all be treated regardless of “race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status” and that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.

But that was the last we were to hear of all being equal.

Within moments. Abrahams stated that "we know that, across the world, including in the UK, the rights of women are constantly ignored". Well, I might not even disagree with that, though in the UK you have to look hard to find such women having their rights ignored. But following so close after a discussion on equality, anyone—ANYONE—should be wondering why 'women' was in that part of the speech, not 'people'. Do men, the largest minority in Britain, simply not count?

Abrahams' sexist views against a huge part of those who she is elected to represent become subtly clear in a statement she made within minutes:
"Women should be paid the same as men if they do the same or equivalent jobs."
This is supposed to be a discussion on human rights. So why is it not the case that
"People should be paid the same as other people if they do the same or equivalent jobs."
But the only people Abrahams cares about is women, and presumably white, middle-class, able women at that – as though nobody else deserves equal pay.

I had to stop reading Abrahams' bigoted views when she first states that "Boys and girls should be brought up believing that they are equal to each other" which most people would agree with, at least in terms of valuing one another and equality before the law and equal opportunities. But then she starts to talk about education, one of the many areas where she could have demonstrated care for those children doomed to be male. Yet she goes on, "I go every week to primary schools in particular. We talk about girls not being able to access education…"

Throughout the entire debate, neither men nor boys get a single positive or useful mention. If you are male, your MP shows that they do not represent you. Look for someone to vote for who will.

Read the full speech here, if you can stomach it:
Human Rights Day – in the House of Commons