Lib Dems pledge to extend same-sex marriage to cover UK and non-UK nationals living abroad
The Lib Dems have pledged to extend same-sex marriage law to allow any UK national to marry a non-UK national same-sex partner at embassies.
The manifesto commitment was announced by Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Tim Farron,Home Office Minister Lynne Featherstone and DfID minister Baroness Northover.
In it, they also announced that “marriage and rights that come with it will be fully recognised in UK law”, and that the Foreign Office diplomatic network of the Lib Dems will push for the decriminalisation of homosexuality abroad.
The Liberal Democrats have committed today to: “Promote international recognition of same sex marriages and civil partnerships as part of a comprehensive International LGBT Rights Strategy that promotes the cause of decriminalising homosexuality in other countries.
The party also pledged to: “Develop a comprehensive strategy for promoting the decriminalisation of homosexuality around the world, and advancing the cause of LGBT+ rights, including equal marriage.”
Lib Dem Foreign Affairs Spokesman Tim Farron said: “I can announce today that the Lib Dem manifesto will commit to developing a comprehensive strategy for promoting the decriminalisation of homosexuality around the world, and we will also work to advance the cause of LGBT+ rights in every part of the world.”
Home Office Minister Lynne Featherstone, the architect behind equal marriage legislation in the UK, added: “As we celebrate our victories in the UK – like equal marriage – we mustn’t forget those LGBT+ campaigners around the world whose situations are still desperate. From day one of my role as a minister in the Department of International Development (DFID), strengthening the department’s LGBT+ rights strategy was one of my top priorities. The Lib Dems remain committed to this – and I hope to see other parties following suit.”
Baroness Northover further added: “Without Lib Dems in Government we would not have had Equal Marriage; I am very proud that we have brought such equality. But in many places round the world, people cannot be who they actually are. Guided by LGBT individuals and groups, we need to support them. This is what I have done, following on from Lynne’s wonderful work.”
