Nigel Farage has labelled the introduction of same-sex marriage legislation “wrong” during a phone-in on LBC — leaving many listeners stunned.
The Reform UK leader was appearing alongside presenter Nick Ferrari, answering questions from the public on everything from the NHS to the economy. But it was a question about LGBTQ+ rights that sparked the biggest backlash.
Asked directly if he supported same-sex marriage, Farage said:
“It is a settled issue. I didn’t support it. I thought it was wrong to introduce it to the public without even putting it in a manifesto.”
He added:
“I was very surprised that David Cameron did that. I thought the civil partnership arrangement that we had was actually working equitably and fairly.”
“So I thought the work that was done was wrong, but look, we have moved on.”
💬 Critics say Farage echoes Trump-style culture war
The comments follow criticism that Farage has been borrowing from Donald Trump’s playbook, stoking culture war issues to appeal to voters ahead of the general election.
Social media lit up with backlash after the interview, with many branding his stance outdated and discriminatory.
🏛️ Farage wants unelected ministers running the country?
Farage also used the platform to claim that cabinet ministers should not be politicians — a comment that raised eyebrows over concerns about democratic accountability.
He told listeners:
“I think the way we run our country is ridiculous. We put cabinet ministers in charge of departments, over which they have absolutely zero knowledge.”
He claimed ministers often only stay in post for “12 to 18 months” — not enough time to understand their brief — and argued that cabinet roles should be filled by unelected experts.
Pointing to the US system, Farage cited Scott Bessent, a businessman who’s never been elected, as an example of someone fit to run the Treasury.
“You’ve got to think a little bit more about running the public finances as if you’re running a business,” he concluded.
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