A Portland town councillor, Scott Horton, is facing mounting criticism following the publication of allegedly homophobic and transphobic remarks on his Facebook page. The comments, which have since been deleted, have sparked widespread outrage across the local LGBT+ community and beyond.
The Dorset Echo is reported to have covered the story on the front page of its printed edition on Wednesday, 29th October. However, its online version appears to have been edited, and access remains restricted to subscribers.
The following was published by Mr. Horton on his Facebook page:
Many members of the LGBT+ community in Portland and the wider Dorset area have expressed their shock and disappointment at the councillor’s remarks, describing them as “deeply offensive” and “damaging.” Activists and residents alike have called for accountability, with some questioning whether Councillor Horton can continue to represent his constituents fairly after such comments.
Following the backlash, Mr. Horton removed the offending posts and issued a response on his Facebook page, stating that he had resigned from the Dorset Independents group. Other sources, however, have contradicted this, suggesting he was in fact “booted off the Independents for Dorset” on 31st October. Despite this, he remains listed as an Independent Councillor on Portland Town Council.
On the council’s website, Horton states his intention to “serve, protect, promote, unite and develop our community and all that is Portland.” Yet many residents argue that his recent behaviour demonstrates the opposite, alienating not only LGBT+ people but the wider community he was elected to serve.
A Portland Town Council meeting is scheduled for 19th November, and it is expected that this controversy will be raised then.
Homophobia and transphobia, in any form, have no place in public life or within our communities. Public representatives must uphold the values of equality, respect, and inclusion, ensuring that every resident, regardless of sexuality, gender identity, or background, feels safe and supported.
It is also worth noting that Mr. Horton ‘admires’ known homophobes, racists, paedophiles, bullies and violent criminals, as his Facebook post exposes:
‘Just so you know and “ let me make this absolutely clear “ I am an admirer of Donald Trump ,Nigel Farage ,Tommy Robinson and I even like Katie Hopkins ,it’s not a secret I don’t seek or need anybody’s approval for that .I like strong, brave,patriots that want to look after and have pride in their Country and people . I don’t care what I’m called ! far right wing ,fascist ,nazi ,homophobic etc I am clearly not and name calling as a weapon doesn’t hurt or bother me, I’m far bigger and stronger .I earned my voice and my opinion in this country and for this country ! with my own blood sweat and tears… as have most of us and people like me. Just saying.‘
This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as more information emerges.
