Welsh first minister sends message of support to Cardiff Mardi Gras
Rhodri Morgan, the first minister of Wales, sent a message of support to revellers at this year’s Cardiff Mardi Gras.
The gay event was held last weekend in glorious sunshine, unlike last year when torrential rain meant it was cancelled.
In the letter, Morgan sent his “very best wishes” to all those participating and said his government fully supported the aims of the event.
He wrote: “I would like to send my best wishes to everyone involved at this year’s Mardi Gras in Cardiff and congratulate you in ensuring that after a year’s absence, you put it back on the map bigger and better than in previous years.
“The Welsh Assembly Government fully supports the aims of Cardiff Mardi Gras – changing attitudes and preventing homophobia – that is why we are proud to be providing financial support for staging the event.”
Describing the changes achieved for gays and lesbians, he also gave a special mention to trans people, saying: “It is also important we recognise this must be extended to transgender and therefore we have signalled this within our flagship Single Equality Scheme, which is the key driver for our equality and human rights agenda.”
Richard Angell, the national secretary of LGBT Labour, said: “Rhodri Morgan and the Labour government in Wales have been proactive at tackling homophobic bullying in schools, financially supporting prides in Wales and [the government is] a top 100 Stonewall employer.
“Rhodri’s determination to take equality to the next step will be welcomed especially by the trans community. Only with Labour will equality be achieved.”
