Ed Miliband: ‘Brighton Pride is our opportunity to speak with one voice against homophobia’
In a message of support for this weekend’s Brighton Pride, Labour leader Ed Miliband says “Pride is our opportunity to speak with one voice against homophobia, hate crimes and discrimination.”
The annual LGBT festival takes place on Saturday with a record number of people expected to attend.
Writing exclusively for PinkNews.co.uk during the same month, he said: “Despite progress on equal marriage there is still more to be done. The terrible death of Lucy Meadows highlighted the prejudice faced by the trans community.
“Too many young people still fear to come out at school due to bullying. In too many places in the world it is still a crime to be gay.”
Today, in a message of support for Brighton Pride, the Labour leader said:
I want to send my best wishes to everyone taking part in this year’s Brighton Pride.
Pride celebrations show just how far we have come on equality, bringing together the rich diversity of modern Britain. But it is also a reminder of the ongoing campaign to ensure a future free from prejudice both at home and in many other parts of the world.
Together we have made great progress towards equality: creating an equal age of consent; ending the ban on LGBT people serving in our forces; increasing sentences for hate crimes; outlawing discrimination in goods and services; and bringing about civil partnerships.
I remember the campaign against Section 28 from my college days and the pain it caused for so many people. Yet it also brought together a renewed commitment from the LGBT community and its supporters to stand up against injustice. Later this year we mark the 10th anniversary since Labour in government abolished Section 28.
The Labour Party champions equality because it is the right thing to do. The desire to create a more just society goes to the heart of what it means to be British. That is why we must all speak up against prejudice. I don’t think that the person you love should determine the rights you have and I am proud of the positive role we have played alongside LGBT campaigners in the fight for equal marriage.
Yet despite progress on equal marriage there is still more to be done. Too many young people still fear to come out at school due to bullying. In too many places in the world it is still a crime to be gay.
Pride is our opportunity to speak with one voice against homophobia, hate crimes and discrimination.
Best wishes for a great day.
