LGBT+ Liberal Democrats site blocking

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats are clearly concerned at reports our web site is being falsely blocked and labelled as "pornographic" for some UK internet users. We understand the Internet Service Provider concerned are now investigating the issue.

We have long campaigned against internet filters of this sort as they are likely to have a disproportionate effect on vulnerable groups, including LGBT+ folk. Today's news validates this concern, particularly as other sites such as LGBTfriend, BishUK, Edinburgh Women's Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre and Sexual Abuse Scotland have also been affected.

Sarah Brown, an LGBT+ executive member who spoke against filters at the party's autumn conference, said: "The "Great Firewall of Britain" is turning out to be the disaster many of us warned it would be. Reports are rife that these filters don't block lots of porn, but do block legitimate support and health sites. If it turns out, as seems to be the case, that LGBT resources are targeted disproportionately, then ISPs are probably exposing themselves to legal challenge under the Equality Act too."

LGBT+ chair, Adrian Trett, added "It is completely unacceptable and it is why at Liberal Democrat Conference in Glasgow, LGBT+ along with other interested parties referenced back any motion with regards filters because we knew the LGBT+ community would be disproportionately affected by these actions."