MEP urges gay community to ‘come out and speak up’
As London hosts EuroPride 2006 this weekend, thirty-five years since Pride first began in the capital, Green Euro MP Jean Lambert pledged her support for the events tackling issues of bullying, discrimination and homophobic abuse.
Ms Lambert, who is a member of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights, said she was pleased to see EuroPride taking place in a variety of countries this month following the recent set backs in Moscow.
She said: “Everyone is equal regardless of their sexuality, gender and race yet many EU Governments are failing to protect individuals and fully adhere to anti-discrimination legislation. Euro-pride really shows that it is time this changed.
“If we are serious about justice and equality we need to ensure homophobic acts are seen as completely unacceptable throughout the world. With half a million people expected to attend this year’s march along Oxford Street, EuroPride 2006 will show how important this is.
“Sadly we do have a way to go before we establish true equality and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. It’s time to come out, speak up and make it happen.”
The march will assemble at the top of Baker Street at noon on Saturday 1st July 2006 before VIP’s including Sir Elton John and Sir Ian McKellen lead the march down a new route along Oxford Street ending on Victoria Embankment. Events will also take place in Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square.
