Diversity as paramount?

The BBC reports the row caused by an e-mail sent by Councillor David Clutterbuck.

A Conservative councillor who sparked a row when he joked that Noah would have to let gay animals on board if he built his ark today has refused to apologise.

David Clutterbuck’s remarks were circulated by e-mail to council members at Bournemouth Borough Council.

The 71-year-old told the BBC there was no way he would say sorry because there was nothing wrong with his comments.

One Liberal Democrat councillor complained and said Mr Clutterbuck should now undergo diversity training.

The row started when an e-mail was forwarded with a joke that if Noah tried to build an ark now he would have to overcome planning rules, building regulations, environmental impact studies, fire and safety regulations and the RSPCA over animal welfare.

Mr Clutterbuck wrote: “I imagine now it would be illegal to only have animals of the opposite sex!” and pressed “reply to all”.

I wonder if said Lib Dem councillor fully appreciates the irony of what he’s asked for. How arrogant to assume that Mr Clutterbuck needs to be sent for extra training to “train” his unacceptable views out of him. Perhaps it’s the Lib Dem councillor who really needs the diversity training.