New Women and Equalities Committee member Philip Davies criticises feminism

An MP who is against gay marriage and has accused "feminist zealots" of wanting "to have their cake and eat it" has been appointed to the Commons Women and Equalities Committee.

Conservative Philip Davies was elected to the select committee, which is responsible for examining the government's strategies relating to women, sexuality and transgender equality, unopposed in a ballot of fellow Conservatives.

More equality issues from IBTimes UK

In a newspaper article last month he criticised its very existence in light of there being, "no such equivalent for men". He also wrote that "political correctness has neutered men".

Davies has also written for IBTimes UK on the importance of International Men's Day.

He sparked controversy earlier this year when footage surfaced of him speaking at a conference organised by Justice 4 Men and Boys – a controversial group who give awards for "toxic feminist of the month" and "whiny feminist of the month." He is also a vocal critic of gay marriage. During this speech he made his infamous remarks about "feminist zealots".

His appointment is reminiscent of Theresa May's decision to make Priti Patel Secretary of State for International Development. Patel had previously advocated scrapping the department.

New Women and Equalities Committee member Philip Davies' on feminism:

"I don't think there is an [equality] issue between men and women. I think the problem is being stirred up by those who could be described as militant feminists and the politically correct males who pander to this nonsense."

"It seems to me that this has led to an 'equality but only when it suits' agenda that applies to women. The drive for women to have equality on all the things that suit the politically correct agenda but not on the things that don't is of increasing concern to me."

"In this day and age the feminist zealots really do want women to have their cake and eat it. They fight for their version of equality on all the things that suit women but are very quick to point out that women need special protections and treatment on other things."

Theresa May