The Labour party has launched both a domestic and international manifesto for the 2010 General Election.

Equalities Secretary launched the domestic version saying:

"Our domestic manifesto shows that Labour continues to have the focus on LGBT rights to deliver a Fair Future for All."

Foreign Secretary launched the international version saying:

"Under Labour the UK will continue to be a beacon of hope for LGBT people."

15 April 2010 

Today, Harriet Harman, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party launches Labour LGBT Domestic Manifesto at Bar Soho.

The Manifesto promises to remove the Waddington Amendment on Incitement to homophobic hatred, bring in compulsary sex education and a renewed focus on homophobic bullying - all of which is featured in the main manifesto.

Speaking about the manifesto launchn Simon Wright, Co-Chair of LGBT Labour, said:

"Our domestic manifesto shows that Labour continues to have the focus on LGBT rights to deliver a Fair Future for All. The Tories stopped compulsory sex education becoming law when Parliament was dissolved and their Lords have continually insisted on the Waddington amendment watering down our incitement to homophobic hatred laws - we believe LGBT people deserve the same protections as the law currently awards under the incitement to racial hatred laws.

"Not only have Labour got a bold vision of the future - we are seeking to defend the important rights that have been won. Under Labour B&B owners will not be able to turn lesbian and gay couples away and Lesbian fertility rights will be protected.

"Only Labour can be trusted on Equality - the Tories have not changed. Only Labour will build a Fairer Future for All."

The domestic manifesto can be downloaded here.

21st April 2010

In The Village Bar, Soho later today, the Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, will launch Labour's International LGBT Manifesto.

Speaking about the manifesto, David Miliband said:

"Since Labour has been in government Britain has led EU and international efforts to tackle discrimination and promote equal rights for LGBT people. A Labour government will build on its massive development of LGBT Rights in the UK since 1997 and will look to expand this abroad. Labour will use Britain’s unique strength in the world and of our international alliances to fight for our values, to challenge homophobia, promote equality and ensure other governments deliver LGBT equality. Under Labour the UK will continue to be a beacon of hope for LGBT people."

The manifesto promises:

• Be a relentless champion at the UN, on the world stage and in the European
  Union and Commonwealth for LGBT rights
• Campaign to extend Labour's equality measures in Europe and across the globe, especially establishing civil partnerships in every EU state
• Push for the UK's Civil Partnerships to be recognised in the European Union
  with equal status to marriage
• Ensure every British Embassy licensed to hold Civil Partnerships
• Equalise the age of consent in Gibraltar
• Ban homophobia from our shores

The International Manifesto can be downloaded here.