JACOB Rees-Mogg has suggested that it is inappropriate for men to call themselves feminists and that giving himself the label would be “ridiculous
The Tory MP was asked whether he was a feminist during a discussion at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.
He responded by saying that he is able to say he supports feminists but believes women should be the ones to decide whether somebody is actually feminist.
He said: “You have asked me to put a label on myself which, if I applied to myself, would make me sound ridiculous.
“Because I am a man. I think it has particular political connotations.
“I think men saying they are feminists is slightly trying to take on something that it’s not for a man to be.
“I can say I support feminists. But I think for me to say I am a feminist is claiming for myself that, as Jess Phillips says, is probably for her to decide.”
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The Conservative MP also said that internet companies such as Twitter and Facebook should be brought under the same publishing laws as the UK press.
He said: “It is a real disgrace of modern society and will discourage women politicians from going into it if they are treated the way Jess is. It is deeply outrageous.”
In a display of cross-party friendship, Mr Rees-Mogg also asked the audience to applaud Ms Phillips' father for bringing up such a “splendid” daughter.
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