LGBT+ Liberal Democrats

To mark the 9th International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, the UK is celebrating its status as a world leader in advancing LGB&T equality.

Lib Dem Minister for Women and Equalities, Jo Swinson, said: "International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia is an opportunity to champion the progress made towards equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) people, as well as reflect on the challenges that remain.

On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, LGBT+ Lib Dems have welcomed a report citing the UK as the best country in Europe for equality and human rights for LGBTI people.

Adrian Trett, Chair of LGBT+ Lib Dems and Vice-Chair of the Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), welcomed the report:

Liberal Democrat peer Lord Sharkey has introduced a Private Members Bill in the House of Lords to give a posthumous pardon to Alan Turing.

Lord Sharkey said: "Alan Turing helped save this country. His work on cracking the Enigma Code at Bletchley Park during World War II undoubtedly changed the course of the war and saved many thousands of lives.

Today it was announced that Theresa May is abolishing the UK Border Agency, who were involved with the cases of many LGBT+ asylum seekers trying to escape persecution.

Commenting on the break-up of UKBA, LGBT+ Lib Dems Chair Adrian Trett said, "We're proud that the Lib Dem policy of recognising the plight of LGBT+ asylum seekers formed part of the Coalition Agreement. Never again should we see a Home Secretary justifying the return of an asylum seeker to a country where they face state murder.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has closed the Liberal Democrat Spring Conference in Brighton by calling on members to spread the message of the Party's commitment in Government to deliver a stronger economy and a fairer society.

In his keynote Leader's speech, Nick paid tribute to the work of the Party in winning the Eastleigh by-election, beating the Conservatives into third place and squeezing Labour while campaigning on the Lib Dem record of delivering in Government.

Today, at 7:14pm on Tuesday 5th February, MPs in the House of Commons have voted (400 to 175) in favour of the second reading of Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill. As expected a large majority of Liberal Democrat MPs voted in favour of party and Government policy.

The Coalition Government has successfully passed the first vote on the Bill, despite the number of Conservative MPs who voted against equality. The Bill now begins its journey through the parliamentary process and Liberal Democrats on the Bill Committee will do all they can to improve the legislation where it falls short of Liberal Democrat policy.

The day is breaking on one of the most important days for LGBT+ equality. The House of Commons will vote on the Second Reading of the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill today. Liberals have campaigned for nearly fourty years since the Liberal Party first agreed to support the Campaign for Homosexual Equality's Law Reform Bill in 1975. The Bill will provide same-sex couples with the right to marry. Those religious organisations who wish to opt-in to providing ceremonies can, and protects those that do not. It also allows married people who change legal gender to remain in their marriages without going through the process of divorce.

Ahead of the crucial vote in the House of Commons, Manchester MP John Leech has reaffirmed his belief that marriage should be equal and for everyone.

He said today, "I will be voting for equal marriage as I think it's the right thing to do, it will strengthen marriage and give everyone equal rights. Liberal Democrats have long been campaigning for equal marriage and I'm proud in government we are tackling equality and delivering change that previous governments have shied away from."

John Leech went onto say, "This month is LGBT History month and what better way to mark this month by tackling the inequalities faced by the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community head on. I recognise this is an emotive issue and some people have some strongly held beliefs and their opposition is not about bigotry rather their own personal beliefs."

Along with the Parliamentary work being carried out by the LGBT+ Lib Dems exec along with Lib Dem MPs and activists, there's plenty happening in the media around the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill.

Lib Dem Peer Lord Rennard has written to the Telegraph calling for religions to be allowed to make their own minds up on equal marriage:

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats are urging all supporters of equal marriage to write to their MP, asking them to support the second reading of the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill. This is the first Parliamentary vote on the new legislation.

Executive member Dave Page said, "Opponents of equal marriage have organised write-in campaigns, often involving false information about the proposals. Even supportive MPs are receiving letters and emails which might make them think that there's popular opposition rather than the vocal minority demonstrated by recent YouGov polling. We need to show MPs and their hard-working staff that we're out there and we want them to support us on Tuesday. No matter what their party, or what position they've declared on the issue, please write and let them know your thoughts."