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DELGA welcome Nick Clegg as new leader of the Liberal Democrat party
December 18, 2007 9:17 PM
Nick Clegg MP, new leader of the Liberal Democrats
Liberal Democrat lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights group DELGA have welcomed the election of Nick Clegg as new Liberal Democrat leader today. Chair of DELGA Jen Yockney said, "The Liberal Democrats have a proud and unparalleled record on lesbian, gay, bi and trans peoples rights. Our previous leaders - Paddy, Charles and Ming - have all been unswerving in their outspoken commitment to equality and I'm delighted that we can look forward to the same kind of support from Nick Clegg."
"The Lib Dems have acted as the conscience of the Labour government on gay rights for the last ten years, as Labour delayed and prevaricated on every issue. Nick will keep us at that cutting edge while the Tories continue to flounder."
Take the example of the incitement to homophobic hatred legislation currently making its way through Parliament.
Last month, in an interview with PinkNews.co.uk Nick Clegg said that he is "absolutely in favour" of a proposed new law to make incitement to hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation an offence. He argued there is a "real problem of overt homophobic incitement to violence."
"I passionately believe that there is a real problem," he told them. "What we did on the religious hatred bill shows that we can strike the right balance between making sure that hateful crime does not take place but at the same time protecting peoples right to free speech. Under my leadership I will make absolutely sure that we are at the forefront of getting the balance right with this legislation."
Result of leadership ballot:
Nick Clegg 20,988 votes
Chris Huhne 20,477 votes
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