British Chancellor Accused of Homophobia

George Osborne, the British treasury chief, has been accused of homophobia for saying that a gay Labour MP is a "pantomime dame."

According to 24dash.com, "In the last Treasury questions before Christmas former minister Chris Bryant had accused the Chancellor of taking delight in playing the role of 'Baron Hardup.'

"Mr Osborne told Mr Bryant: 'At least I'm not the pantomime dame.'"

Bryant, the MP for Rhondda, called the remark "homophobic" and said that he believed it was motivated by his sexual orientation. His Labour party called on Osborne to withdraw the remark.

Aides to Osborne said that he was just making a "Christman joke" based on the pantomime theme that Bryant introduced, according to 24dash.com.