London's World Pride showcases UK equality leadership

Liberal Democrat European justice & human rights spokeswoman and London MEP Sarah Ludford is attending this year's World Pride march tomorrow to show her commitment to LGBT equality.

She will be part of a Liberal Democrat group including LGBT+LibDem chair Adrian Trett and Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone.

Sarah Ludford, who is Vice President of LGBT+ Liberal Democrats and active in the European Parliament LGBT intergroup, commented:

"Lib Dems in government and Westminster led by Lynne are committed to making a real difference to improving rights. The consultation on introducing equal marriage is testament to this."

"The recent 'rainbow map' produced by the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) shows the UK is leading on the issue of gay rights in Europe although we cannot rest on our laurels and progress must continue to full equality."

"But whereas Pride in London is now always a jolly affair with banners and balloons, in all too many central and eastern European countries it means batons and beatings. Budapest Pride only just survived an attempted police ban and Baltic Pride in Riga was also threatened. The EU should get such homophobia outlawed."

"We must also remember as we party on Saturday that it's illegal to be gay in 76 countries worldwide, with harassment, imprisonment, 'correction rapes' and murder rife. The EU must heed the call by MEPs this week for human rights and non-discrimination to be advanced through trade and development links."

Note

More can be read about the ILGA map here: http://www.ilga-europe.org/home/publications/reports_and_other_materials/rainbow_europe_map_and_index_may_2012