Ex-minister criticises BBC over Moyles

Former Culture Secretary Chris Smith has criticised the BBC for their response to allegedly homophobic comments made by Chris Moyles.

The Radio 1 DJ was found to be in breach of broadcasting guidelines by telecoms regulator Ofcom after singing versions of songs by Will Young with alternate lyrics.

However, while the BBC accepted that the comments were "misjudged and unacceptable", it added that they were "not intended to be hostile or derogatory".

Speaking at a Village Drinks event, Smith said that the BBC should not allow the presenter to make comments of that sort, PinkNews reports.

Ofcom founder Smith said: "I think they need to take a more severe line on Chris Moyles and make him aware of his responsibilities as a broadcaster.

"I suspect the reason why there is a difference in the way racism and homophobia are treated is that we haven't yet changed attitudes as far as we need to in order to get people to realise just how unacceptable homophobia is."