Stephen Morgan, Labour MP for Portsmouth South, has marked the beginning of Pride Month by celebrating the contribution of LGBT+ people in the local community and highlighting how the Government is acting on its commitments to LGBT+ people in the UK and abroad.
Recognising that many LGBT+ people are feeling concerned by the current political climate, Mr Morgan reaffirmed their commitment to supporting LGBT+ constituents and set out the action being taken by the Labour government to deliver on its manifesto promises to the LGBT+ community, including:
- Delivering a full trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices
- Equalising the law so that hate crime towards LGBT people attracts the same severity of sentence as those motivated by race or religion
- Improving the experience of LGBT+ personnel and veterans in the Armed Forces and delivering financial recognition to LGBT veterans as per the Etherton Review
- Tackling HIV transmissions and improving access to healthcare
- Providing nearly half a million pounds worth of specialist funding for LGBT+ focused domestic violence services.
- Establishing a £21m fund to support global LGBT+ rights
Mr Morgan also encouraged residents to take part in local Pride celebrations throughout the month, including Portsmouth Pride this Saturday on Southsea Common.
Marking Pride, Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, said:
“Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate our local LGBT+ community, while also recognising that the fight for equality is not over. Here in Portsmouth, I am proud to stand with my LGBT+ constituents against the politics of division and hate.
“I am proud to represent a party that has always fought for the LGBT+ community, and this Labour Government is taking action to advance LGBT+ equality for my constituents.
“I encourage everyone across our city to get involved in local Pride events this month, celebrate our fantastic LGBT+ community, and show that our area is one where everyone is welcome.”
Minister for LGBT+ Equality Olivia Bailey said:
“Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate the progress we have made on LGBT+ rights, while recommitting ourselves to the work we are yet to do.
“Labour will always stand up for LGBT+ rights, and this government is no different. From banning conversion practices to tackling hate crime and improving healthcare access, we are building on Labour’s proud history of fighting for equality.”
