Labour and the Lib Dems appear to be the two most “LGBT friendly” of the major political parties according to their manifestos.
While the Tories and the SNP say relatively little about LGBT rights in their General Election manifestos, the Lib Dems and Labour make a series of pledges to attract the “pink vote,” including mandatory LGBT teaching in schools.
Over the past year Muslim parents all over the country have become increasingly concerned about what they consider to be pro LGBT teaching in schools, which runs contrary to Islam.
Here is a summary of what each party has pledged to the LGBT community.
CONSERVATIVES
The ruling Tories say they will host the UK government’s first ever international LGBT conference.
They will protect people from physical attack or harassment whether for their sex, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or disability.
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And they will vigorously combat harassment and violence against LGBT people.
LABOUR
Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour say they will provide sufficient funding for schools to deliver mandatory LGBT+ inclusive relationships and sex education.
Labour says it is committed to reforming the Gender Recognition Act 2004 to introduce self-declaration for transgender people.
It will also:
Put LGBT+ equality at the heart of government, ensuring public services are LGBT+ inclusive and delivering on the national LGBT Action Plan.
Take steps to safeguard LGBT+ rights inside or outside the EU, such as retaining and promoting the Human Rights Act.
Fully fund sexual health services and roll out PrEP medication.
Respond fast and firmly wherever LGBT+ people face violence or persecution internationally and appoint a dedicated global ambassador to the Foreign Office on LGBT+ issues.
LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
Jo Swinson’s party says it will introduce a “curriculum for life” in all state-funded schools, which will include citizenship and age-appropriate Relationships and Sex Education (RSE); and teaching about sexual consent, LGBT+ relationships.
It will also:
Ensure that LGBT+ inclusive mental health services receive funding and support.
Address continuing inequalities in health services access faced by same-sex couples, and continue to improve LGBT+ healthcare overall.
Ensure accurate population data on sexual orientation and gender identity by including a question on LGBT+ status within the 2021 Census.
Extend the Equality Act to all large companies with more than 250 employees, requiring them to monitor and publish data on gender, BAME, disability, and LGBT+ employment levels and pay gaps.
Offer asylum to people fleeing the risk of violence because of their sexual orientation or gender identification, end the culture of disbelief for LGBT+ asylum seekers and never refuse an LGBT+ applicant on the basis that they could be discreet.
Legislate to allow all-LGBT+ shortlists.
Protect, defend, and promote human rights for all, including LGBT+ individuals who are persecuted across the world as well as those persecuted for their religion or belief.
Develop a comprehensive strategy for promoting the decriminalisation of homosexuality around the world and advancing LGBT+ rights.
SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY
The SNP says it will push for reform of the detention and asylum system for LGBT+ individuals escaping countries where homosexuality is still criminalised, removing “unfair and invasive demands for proof of sexuality or gender identity.”
