LGBT Labour celebrates London Pride

LGBT Labour today joins the London Pride march in celebration of the progress made in the journey towards LGBT equality and to highlight the challenges still to be met.

James Asser and Hannah Blythyn, Co-Chairs of LGBT Labour comment:

“LGBT Labour has a proud record of marching at London Pride. This year we celebrate achievements from civil partnerships through to the 10^th anniversary of the equalisation of the age of consent. But we also mark a key point in our year-round campaign to further LGBT rights, from protecting key services from government cuts through to full marriage equality.”

Rt Hon Ed Miliband, Leader of the Labour Party said:
 
“I want to convey my best wishes to everyone taking part in Pride this weekend.  The popularity of Pride shows just how far we have come in recent years in the campaign for equality from tackling hate crimes through to civil partnerships.
 
“ I am proud of the progress we made towards LGBT equality over the last decade, but there is still more to do. The introduction of civil partnerships was one of the most significant changes that Labour brought in, but now it is right to look at extending marriage equality for those who want it. From the treatment of LGBT asylum seekers through to homophobic bullying, there is still a march of progress ahead that we are with you on.”

The Pride march will also be joined by Labour’s candidate for Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone. Ken Livingstone said:

"I’m looking forward to be marching with LGBT Labour and hundreds of thousands of Londoners this Saturday at Pride. A better and fairer London depends on our city continuing to move forward on LGBT equality.

'Whilst New York is striking a blow for equality with its backing for same-sex marriage London seems to have lost its leading edge, with no bold moves on LGBT equality and many steps backward from City Hall.

'That’s why I want to see greater leadership on equality in London with a far greater focus on tackling homophobia on our streets and in our schools and a willingness to stand up against the Tory-led government’s cuts which are having their impact on LGBT communities.

'It’s in the interests of all Londoners that our city allows all talents to flourish and does not tolerate, discrimination, hate crime or harassment.

'We have a long way to go before discrimination and homophobic bigotry is fully eradicated and equality achieved. Now more than ever, London requires a Mayor to whom every Londoner can know will fight for equality.”

ENDS