As a Labour MP, I am immensely proud of our party’s record in advancing LGBT+ rights.
The last Labour Government did more for LGBT+ equality than any government in British history. We removed the shameful Section 28, passed the legislation that allowed trans people to legally change their gender, and introduced the landmark Equality Act, protecting LGBT+ people from discrimination.
It’s a legacy that made our country a far more open and tolerant place to live.
But we cannot make the mistake of thinking the battle is won, especially as hateful and divisive rhetoric creeps back into our public discourse.
Hate crime and abusive conversion practices are still happening far too often, and much of the rhetoric directed at LGBT+ people today echoes the same hatred that was commonplace during the era of Section 28.
We see Reform politicians peddling the politics of division, with their leader claiming that same-sex families are not ‘stable’ and their candidate in Makerfield dismissing the fight for LGBT+ equality as “attention seeking”.
Our rights have been hard fought for and hard won – we know what it takes to protect them. That is why this Labour Government is committed not just to defending progress, but to building on our proud legacy of LGBT+ equality.
We have equalised the law so LGBT hate crimes attract the same severity of sentence as those motivated by race or religion, provided nearly half a million pounds in specialist funding for LGBT+ domestic abuse services, and established a £21 million fund to support LGBT+ rights globally.
We are improving the experience of LGBT+ personnel and veterans in the Armed Forces, delivering financial recognition to LGBT veterans, working to tackle HIV transmissions and improve access to healthcare, and delivering a full trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices
As the home of the Royal Navy I know from working with local veterans and organisations like Fighting with Pride that the changes we have made to improving the experience of LGBT+ personnel and veterans in the Armed Forces and delivering financial recognition to LGBT veterans as per the Etherton Review. Is really making a difference to those in LGBT+ community who have chosen to serve our country.
I know many local people remain worried about what the future holds for the LGBT+ community in this country. I want to reassure them that as their MP, I will continue to stand with them not just during Pride Month, but every single day of the year.
There is lots done, but so much more to do.
