LGBT+ History Month - Lib Dems celebrate diversity in Medway
Medway Liberal Democrats are proud to celebrate the activism, strength and spirit of our entire LGBT+ community across our towns. Liberal Democrats have consistently been on the right side of history on LGBT+ issues, and we have been unequivocal in our support for equality, championing diversity and strengthening efforts to give meaningful attention to LGBT+ history.
Key historical Liberal Democrats moments on LGBT+ issues
- Opposing Section 28: We opposed Section 28 (a discriminatory law which prohibited the so-called promotion of homosexuality) right from the start.
- Trans Rights & the Gender Recognition Act: We were the first political party to support trans people changing their legal gender, today we are still campaigning to streamline the law to allow individuals to self-identify without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles
- Same sex marriage: We fought hard for the introduction of same sex marriage in coalition government. Because of our campaigning more thousands of same-sex couples have been able to get married.
- Full timeline available here
Today we are fighting campaigns for not just equal treatment but appropriate treatment, respecting the diversity within our LGBT+ communities.
For all the progress that has been made, there is still undoubtedly more to be done. Increases in hate crimes, worrying levels of transphobia in mainstream media and disparities in social and health care provisions are proof that the battle for equality is far from over.
Liberal Democrats will continue to fight until everyone is able to live without fear of hate or discrimination.
Notes to Editors:
Liberal Democrat key LGBT+ policies
- Streamline and simplify the Gender Recognition Act
- Ensure that LGBT+ inclusive mental health services receive funding and support
- Make Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention available on the NHS
- Tackle bullying in schools, including bullying on the basis of gender, sexuality, gender identity or gender expression
- Extend the Equality Act to all large companies with more than 250 employees, requiring them to monitor and publish data on gender, BAME, and LGBT+ employment levels and pay gaps
- Introduce an 'X' option on passports, identity documents, and official forms for those who do not wish to identify as either male or female
More information
For more information on LGBT+ issues please speak to LGBT+ Lib Dems you can also access our party policy on LGBT+ rights here.