David Cameron: Same-sex marriage is just one reason to celebrate this Pride in London
Prime Minister David Cameron reflects on changes made for LGBT people such as same-sex marriage, and celebrates Pride in London.
I want to send my best wishes to everyone taking part in Pride in London events, especially all those volunteers who make it possible.
Since last year’s event there has been one huge, historic change in Britain: the institution of marriage is now open to all. Whether you’re a man and a man, a woman and a woman or a woman and a man, your love for one another is equal in the eyes of the law. Since the Same-Sex Couples Act came into law in March, couples across the country and across the capital – from Peckham to Putney, Wimbledon to Walthamstow – have been demonstrating their love and commitment by tying the knot. This would not have been possible without the support of so many people who are at Pride. So, thank you – you have made history.
I’m immensely proud to be the Prime Minster of the country which is the best place in Europe to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. But that doesn’t mean our job is done – we cannot be complacent.
The theme of this year’s Pride is ‘freedom’, and I want this to be a country where all children are free from the fear of bullying, where elderly people have the freedom to be who they are, where our sportsmen and women have the freedom to achieve – people like Tom Daley, Claire Harvey, Nicola Adams and Casey Stoney, who proudly represent this country – and where no-one is at risk of the sickening homophobic attacks that, sadly, still happen on our streets.
And this isn’t just about Britain. We are committed to improving LGBT rights across the planet. I have raised my concerns about the treatment of gay people in Russia with President Putin, and the Foreign Office presses the case for positive change around the world.
The values of tolerance, freedom and respect – these are the values that define us in Britain. Not only should we take great pride in them, we should encourage the rest of the world to take
our lead.
I hope you have a very enjoyable Pride in London.
David Cameron is leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
