By Martha Moss - 5th November 2009
Using 'autism' as a term of abuse is not the right way forward and I hope that he will retract his comments
Liz Lynne
The vice-president of parliament's disability intergroup, Liz Lynne, has criticised French minister Pierre Lellouche for using the term "autistic" to describe the UK Conservatives.
Lynne told TheParliament.com that Lellouche, France's Europe minister, should not have used the term in a "derogatory" way and called for him to retract his comments.
Lellouche is quoted in the Guardian as saying that Tory plans to repatriate national sovereignty over social and employment laws reflected an "autistic" approach.
He singled out Tory foreign affairs spokesman William Hague for displaying a "bizarre autism" in discussions.
"They [the Tories] have one line and they just repeat one line. It is a very bizarre sense of autism," Lellouche is quoted as saying.
Lynne, an ALDE MEP who is also vice-chair of parliament's employment and social affairs committee, said she was "deeply concerned" by the use of the term.
"The other remarks are up to him [Lellouche], but using 'autism' as a term of abuse is not the right way forward and I hope that he will retract his comments," she said.
A parent of an autistic child would be "deeply upset" by the use of such language, Lynne said.
She added, "I know a lot of French disabled people and I'm sure that French organisations [representing autistic people] would be extremely worried that a French minister would be using that term in a derogatory way."
Carlotta Besozzi, director of the European disability forum also criticised the minister for his use of 'autistic'.
"It is obviously unfortunate to use a disability to describe the current political deficit at EU level," she said.
"Over the terminology dispute, it would be useful for both the French minister and the UK Tories to meet people with autism themselves.
"I am sure that they would better understand where the real barriers are in Europe.
"They would also work on better social and economic policies responding to real needs of people, instead of futile disputes over competences and power."
Benet Middleton, communications director at the UK-based National Autistic Society (NAS) said, "Autism (including Asperger syndrome) is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition.
"Comments such as those attributed to Lellouche, in which he seemingly suggests the Conservative party, and in particular Hague, demonstrate 'a bizarre sense of autism' are therefore extremely unhelpful.
"To use the terms 'autism' and 'autistic' in a derogatory or flippant manner, can cause deep distress and hurt to people affected by the condition.
"The NAS is keen to address this issue, in order that these terms are not used lightly, particularly by commentators or people in positions of power or influence."
More than half a million people in the UK are affected by autism, the charity claims.
"To use the terms as a criticism, for dramatic effect or to try and gain political advantage only perpetuates the confusion and misunderstanding, which people with autism have to cope with everyday," Middleton added. "This is simply unacceptable and must stop."
Lellouche's comments are a response to pledges by the UK Conservatives to take back powers from Europe should they will an election.
The Tories said they would introduce a "Soverignty Act" setting up a constitutional court similar to Germany's, which will examine EU legislation.
Adding to the woes of Conservative leader David Cameron, is news today that two of his EU frontbenchers have resigned after he confirmed a future Tory government would not hold a referendum on the Lisbon treaty.
MEPs Daniel Hannan and Roger Helmer quit their posts in protest at the move, with Hannan saying he will continue to lead a movement in the party to push for a referendum.
Meanwhile, Tory foreign affairs spokesman Hague hit back at Lellouche's comments, telling the BBC, "He is at the moreemotional end of how to express views about this.
"I think more seniormembers of French government would take a different approach. We're only asking for what other countries have."
Hague insisted there should be a referendum "when power is being given away".
"Inany future transfer of power the people must have their say," he said."We can't have this shameful betrayal of an election promise that we'vehad over the last four years."
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