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.
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“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.” Mr Rees-Mogg appeared at the festival with Labour MP Jess Phillips to discuss friendship across the political divide, The Tory backbencher also admitted he would receive far more abuse if he were to be female.
He added: “This is something we should take really seriously. The abuse of women online for sharing their views is a disgrace.” 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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