Pride Month

Peter Swallow interjects to critique Reform councils for tearing down Pride flags and defunding Pride events, suggesting these actions do not align with the values of most British people.

Christopher Vince commends Olivia Bailey on her speech, expressing gratitude for legal changes that allow LGBT+ representation in Parliament and improving its inclusivity.

Kirsty Blackman questions the timeline for draft legislation to ban conversion therapy, asking when such a Bill will be brought forward as it has been discussed for nearly two years.

The hon. Member emphasises the personal significance of Pride Month as a celebration of progress in LGBT rights, while also reminding us that prejudice still exists and needs to be addressed. He speaks about his own experiences and highlights the role of political parties in achieving real change for LGBT individuals. The speech includes references to the importance of protecting single-sex spaces under the Equality Act code of practice and ensuring that older LGBT people do not face discrimination when accessing social care or support later in life.

Honoured the speeches made by the Minister and shadow Minister on furthering LGBTQ+ rights. Criticised the scheduling of the debate for a Thursday, when many MPs are away from Westminster, making it difficult for them to participate. Emphasised that these debates should be prioritised rather than being an afterthought. Highlighted the current climate where Pride is more of a protest due to ongoing debates about transgender rights and safety, expressing concern over scapegoating the trans community in discussions about women's safety. Raised issues with the EHRC code of practice for its impracticality and potential harm to individuals. Called out the lack of attention given by the Government and EHRC to providing clear guidance on how to resolve these conflicts without exacerbating tensions. Shared a personal story of an 83-year-old trans woman constituent, Teraina Hird, who prioritised speaking about her concerns over her own health. Questioned the safety and privacy rights of transgender individuals in various scenarios, like hospital wards and workplace restrooms. Cited examples from Spain to illustrate that LGBT rights can coexist with women's rights, challenging the notion that protecting one group means compromising the other. Praised athletes for living openly in same-sex relationships despite risks and emphasised the need for more inclusivity in men’s sports. Concluded by encouraging hope and emphasising treating others as they would like to be treated.

I am honoured to speak after powerful speeches, particularly acknowledging Sarah Owen's work on human rights and the trans community. Pride Month celebrates visibility, dignity, and progress but also highlights regression in LGBT rights; the UK fell six places to 22nd in ILGA-Europe’s ranking since 2015, now bottom six for gender recognition among European countries. Standing up for LGBT rights is about equality and respect for everyone. Progress requires continuous advocacy by campaigners and allies. Liberal Democrats fought against section 28 and delivered equal marriage; however, the Supreme Court ruling on sex definition in Equality Act has caused distress among trans communities. The EHRC’s code of practice is exclusionary and concerning, acknowledging disproportionate harm to those with protected characteristics. I am worried for future generations of trans men and women.

Ordered the speaker to refer to Members by their constituencies instead of names.

Tim Roca highlighted the importance of representation for the LGBTQ+ community and praised MaccPride, a local Pride festival. He expressed concerns about the increase in transphobic hate crimes and the potential confusion caused by recent guidance on single-sex spaces. Roca stated his support for women’s rights to single-sex spaces while also advocating for the dignity and safety of trans people. He warned that without clearer protections, trans individuals may face more exclusion and harassment.

Ms. Blackman expressed her concerns about the current state of equality and justice for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly focusing on the conversion therapy ban, EHRC guidance, privacy rights of trans people, fertility issues in relation to gay and lesbian couples, social media bans, neurodiversity and intersectionality, school guidance, and puberty blockers. She emphasised the need for inclusivity, acceptance, and protection against stigmatisation and minoritisation of already marginalised communities.

Describes the importance of Pride Month in recognising and celebrating LGBT+ individuals. Emphasises that Pride is both a celebration and protest, but also highlights it as a place where people can be their authentic selves without judgment or fear. Commends government efforts to equalise hate crime sentences and advocates for legislation against conversion therapy practices.

Expresses concern about the current environment in which many LGBT+ constituents, particularly trans and non-binary individuals, feel unsafe due to recent developments. Criticises the Equality and Human Rights Commission's guidance for services and public functions as promoting segregation of transgender people from both gendered and unisex facilities, potentially increasing risk of violence and legal uncertainty.

Welcomes the contributions made in the debate, highlighting his role as Basingstoke’s first openly bisexual and LGBT+ MP. Emphasises progress made under previous Labour Governments but stresses that there is still work to be done, particularly regarding hate crime and conversion practices. Supports amendments like those tabled by Rachel Taylor to make homophobic and transphobic hate crimes aggravated offences. Acknowledges concerns from constituents about the Equality Act guidance and commits to defending LGBT+ rights, both in Britain and globally.

Intervenes to acknowledge local Reform members attempting to block Bracknell Forest council from flying the progress pride flag.

Supports a common-sense approach that allows councils to demonstrate inclusivity without wasting time on divisive debates.

Raises concern about the Leader of the Opposition instructing Conservative councils not to fly the progress pride flag, joining in with Reform UK's rhetoric.

Mr Swallow paid tribute to other MPs who had spoken on the topic of LGBT+ rights, emphasising the importance of Pride events and the ongoing need for equality. He highlighted the progress made in his constituency of Bracknell with annual Pride celebrations but also expressed concerns about recent developments such as the draft EHRC code of practice, which he felt brought anxiety and confusion rather than clarity. Mr Swallow supported measures to ban conversion therapy and acknowledged the importance of balancing rights between women and trans people while ensuring that LGBT+ veterans receive justice for their suffering. He underscored the need for respectful debate on these sensitive issues.

I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Reading West and Mid Berkshire and the right hon. Member for Daventry for starting the debate. I welcome comments on healthcare's importance to LGBTQ+ community. There is a stigma in Harlow regarding healthcare, but Pride events are incredible. I am proud to be an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledging mistakes. Labour introduced civil partnerships, adoption rights and abolished section 28. I pay tribute to the last Conservative Government for equal marriage legislation. Mentioning my late Uncle Stephen as someone who was let down by society for being gay but a kind person. Concerned about Essex county council's decision to ban Pride advertising in libraries and people deciding which books young people can read. Books with LGBTQ+ role models are important, allowing LGBTQ+ youth to find guidance and acceptance.

Agrees with Christopher Vince's sentiment about the world being better when kids have open minds and can ask questions without hate. Highlights an incident where his niece asked if a friend was his partner, indicating an open-minded environment.

Concerned that Thurrock council under Reform UK direction is removing Pride advertisements and LGBTQ+ awareness material from Thameside complex in Grays. This decision is seen as a backward step when the complex will host Pride in June.

Spoke powerfully about how Pride is a place to celebrate LGBT people across society and reflect on discrimination in history.

Was powerful in her position and thoughts, mentioned the importance of equalities debates always taking place on Thursdays.

Emphasised the need for young people to have space to explore their identities without barriers to success or ambition.

Called for more representation of lesbian voices in politics, highlighting under-representation and distinct challenges faced by lesbians.

Agreed with not arguing about flags but argued that it should be up to councils and community groups to decide the version of the pride flag they choose to fly.

It is an honour to close this debate on behalf of the Government. I would like to begin by thanking Members across the House for their thoughtful and powerful contributions this afternoon. These are always the best debates to be in, and today has been no exception. We have heard speeches about the progress won, the challenges that remain and the lived reality of LGBT+ people in communities across the country. The right hon. Member for Daventry (Stuart Andrew) opened the debate with a very moving speech, which included some upsetting testimony about his own personal experience of assault, and I commend his bravery in sharing that. He was also right to say that Pride is not just about big parades; it is about the teenager who is scared and alone. The hon. Member for Guildford (Zöe Franklin) spoke about young people. She is right, and it is wonderful to see the totally different approach that the younger generations have to questions of sexuality and gender identity. My hon. Friend the Member for Macclesfield (Tim Roca) made a powerful speech. He is right that his election as the first gay MP for Macclesfield matters. The hon. Member for Brighton Pavilion (Siân Berry) reflected a real fear among her LGBT constituents. It is a fear that the Government recognise, and we are determined to ensure that every trans person can live safely and with dignity and respect. My hon. Friend the Member for Southend West and Leigh (David Burton-Sampson), my thoughts and best wishes go to the families of all those who lost their lives in the tragic Royal Navy helicopter crash yesterday. The range of voices we have heard today reminds us that Pride is not a single story. There are many stories—some of struggle, some of joy—but all are connected by a shared demand for dignity and respect. This Government will continue to stand with LGBT+ people in this country and around the world.

I thank the Minister for her warm words on the fantastic speeches that we have heard and the action that so many Members have taken in and out of this place. It has been mentioned that one party has wanted to stop Pride and to stop pride flags being flown, but there are actually two: Restore and Reform. Who are they working for? Does the Minister agree that we need to look at not just what they are saying but who they are being funded by, whether it is Elon Musk—a transphobic megalomaniac—or overseas crypto bros with very dubious records?