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French MP Expelled For Gay WWII Comments
A French MP who denied that France deported gays during WWII, along with making a series of homophobic remarks, has been expelled from President Sarkozy’s UMP party.
In a video broadcast on French website LibertéPolitique.com, Christian Vanneste said that gays were "narcissistic" and manipulate the media, making humankind "lose its dignity", reports France 24.
"There is the famous legend of homosexuals being deported during the Second World War," Vanneste said. "Let's be clear about that. Obviously, Himmler had a personal score to settle with homosexuals. In Germany, homosexuals were persecuted and deported...There were no [deportations] elsewhere. Other than the three annexed regions, homosexuals were not deported from France".
French MPs and LGBT advocates have widely condemned the comments.
The Guardian reports UMP secretary general Jean-Francois Cope said Vanneste would be expelled because of his "deeply shocking and intolerable comments" after a meeting next week.
However, Vanneste remains unrepentant telling Le Monde, "I have nothing to take back, I have said nothing reproachable. I think the whole thing is stupid."
"If I am wrong, then I will make amends, no problem."