LGBT HUMAN RIGHTS THREATENED BY GOVERNMENT IGNORANCE, SAYS LGBT LABOUR

LGBT Labour today expressed concern that the Government’s threat to the Foreign Office's Annual Human Rights Report would leave human rights abuses of LGBT people abroad overlooked. This has been a crucial tool for the UK Government to focus on LGBT issues across the world and raises serious questions about the Government’s commitment to tackling human rights.

Katie Hanson, LGBT Labour Co-Chair said “It is unconscionable for the Con-Dems to even think about scrapping the Human Rights Report which is a vital tool for speaking up for human rights and LGBT equality the world over”.

“The previous Government was steadfast in its support for LGBT rights abroad by condemning human rights abuses affecting LGBT citizens and using its embassies to promote our own positive record in solidarity with those fighting for the rights we now take for granted. This is yet further evidence of the gap between the Coalition's lip service to equality and human rights and their delivery in practice. It is not too late for the Foreign Secretary to reverse this course of action before it causes real damage.”