Labour supports Pride 2007

This Saturday’s Pride event will see Brighton and Hove Labour Parties marching under their banner and calling for Global Pride.

The focus will be on two issues: the need to tackle homophobic bullying, and the rights of LGBT people throughout the world.

Labour MPs Des Turner and David Lepper at last year's Pride in Preston Park

Celia Barlow MP for Hove and Portslade said: “We are concerned for the rights of LGBT people throughout the world. Here in the UK we have moved so far forward in equality for the LGBT community but there are always challenges such as tackling homophobic bullying. Progress hasn’t been as good in other places around the world. We as a socialist party want to ensure that all peoples are treated equally regardless of their sexuality."

Simon Burgess Parliamentary candidate for Brighton Kemptown said: “We are backing the LGBT Labour Campaign for a new criminal offence of incitement to homophobic hatred, to match existing protections for racial hatred, to be included in the forthcoming Criminal Justice Bill.”

David Lepper MP and Nancy Platts, the Labour Party’s Parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion said: “It’s time to ensure fair and equitable protection through the Criminal Justice systems across Europe for LGBT people.”

Des Turner MP who has worked for many years with Stonewall to ensure that the needs of the LGBT community are taken into account added “ We have come a very long way but there is still more to be done particularly with regards to these two areas but also for the rights of Transgender people.”