Whittome opens by thanking the Backbench Business Committee for approving the debate, highlighting it as a regular event. She mentions her hon. Friend Kate Osborne's work and praises the Government’s commitment to publishing a draft Bill banning conversion practices. The MP stresses her connection with LGBTQ+ history while appreciating the progress made since the 1980s but laments the recent decline in LGBTQ+ rights, especially concerning trans people. She argues against binary views of gender and sex, advocating for inclusivity and legal clarity.

Eshalomi intervenes to thank Whittome for her speech and highlights the stigma still attached to HIV/AIDS. She proposes celebrating advancements in science and innovation related to HIV/AIDS, along with the Government's aim to end new HIV transmissions by 2030.

I thank my hon. Friend for taking the initiative on this debate and making a fantastic opening speech. In LGBT+ History Month, it is important to acknowledge how far we have come on LGBT+ rights while renewing our determination to protect progress made. I welcome the Government's move ahead with making LGBT+ hate crime an aggravated offence but emphasise that cultural change must support legal changes. The TUC research reveals high levels of harassment and bullying against LGBT+ people in the workplace, necessitating continued efforts in equality programmes. The Employment Rights Act 2025 strengthens employer duties against harassment and formally recognises trade union equality officers. I urge the Minister to prioritise publishing a draft Bill for the conversion practices legislation soon. Concerns about the Supreme Court ruling last April impact trans people deeply; guidelines should respect their rights to privacy and living life in acquired gender. Internationally, protecting support given to LGBT rights programmes through foreign aid is crucial, as attacks on LGBT+ rights are often precursors to greater authoritarianism. The UK's hosting of IDAHOT meeting in 2027 could improve our position in the rankings and support LGBT rights globally.

Co-leading this debate with my hon. Friend, I celebrate queer identities and commitment to equality. After years of progress, we face a backlash against LGBTQ+ rights, especially affecting trans individuals. Our history includes trade union solidarity that brought about trans-inclusive policies. In Jarrow and Gateshead East, Out North East does fantastic community work. My report on banning conversion practices passed with cross-party support; the Government should adopt this framework to address real-life issues faced by those subjected to these harmful practices. Instead of marginalising and discriminating against trans people, we must stand up for them now. I am proud to be part of the gayest Parliament in the world at 12%. As chair of the APPG on fertility, I will continue fighting for IVF access; as chair of the APPG on women’s football, I support inclusivity and diversity in sport. The Minister's support is appreciated.

It is a real honour to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Jarrow and Gateshead East, reiterating congratulations on her work banning conversion therapy in Europe. Sarah Owen thanks fellow Labour MPs from the Women and Equalities Committee for their speeches and calls out queer icons as role models. She expresses disappointment at the lack of opposition presence and criticises Reform Members who showed disrespect during the debate.

The hon. Member for Sussex Weald advises Sarah Owen that when referring to other Members, she should inform them in advance.

It is a pleasure to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Luton North who gave an incredibly powerful speech. Uma Kumaran praises her friend Nadia Whittome, who secured this debate. She celebrates LGBT+ History Month and highlights the rich history of queer resistance in Stratford and Bow, including the Tower Hamlets Lesbian and Gay Campaign Group that fought against Thatcher's Government when section 28 was introduced. She mentions several local initiatives that celebrate queer identity and community solidarity. Uma Kumaran stresses the importance of not taking progress for granted and calls for new EHRC guidance to ensure clarity and prevent discrimination against trans people.

According to data, over 10% of the population in my constituency identifies as LGBT+, illustrating a growing confidence in living openly. The recent history of LGBT+ rights has seen cultural and legislative changes influencing each other. Despite progress, there are concerns about security. Constituencies like mine have been magnets for LGBT+ individuals, but challenges still exist. There is a need to write and tell the untold histories of ordinary LGBT+ people. LGBT+ History Month allows us to reflect on past struggles and celebrate progress while acknowledging the legislative changes that can drive societal improvements.

I am proud to represent a constituency with historic ties to the LGBT community, including landmarks like G-A-Y, City of Quebec, and She Soho. We have seen significant progress in support for gay marriage, but challenges persist, such as hate crimes and attacks on trans rights. It is crucial that we continue to rally towards a position where everyone can live freely with dignity.

Hayes speaks in support of the rights and representation of transgender individuals, highlighting the importance of listening to trans people's needs and protecting them from prejudice. He emphasises that being openly transgender is a choice and discusses the harmful rhetoric used by opponents who try to make the cost of choosing oneself too severe to bear. Hayes supports trans youth in deciding their own identity and future, advocating for gender-affirming medical care and surgery. He also mentions the importance of supporting parents of trans children and the need for evidence-based policy decisions regarding puberty blockers. Hayes calls for a movement towards a Trans Persons' Civil Rights Act.

Celebrated the progress made by the Labour Party in advancing LGBTQ+ rights, including lowering age of consent, lifting military ban for LGBTQ individuals, repealing Section 28, passing Civil Partnership Act and Equality Act. Mentioned the importance of activists and campaigners who have fought for these changes from outside parliament. Highlighted local LGBT+ charity Intercom Trust’s work in Exeter and across south-west England. Raised concerns about rising hate crimes against LGBTQ individuals.

Acknowledged the contributions of speakers, particularly Sarah Owen for her passionate speech on the subject. Emphasised the importance of ongoing advocacy and fight for equality despite recent setbacks. Recognised historic figures like Alan Turing and Barbara Burford for their significant contributions to LGBTQ+ rights. Mentioned Football v Homophobia Month in memory of Justin Fashanu. Highlighted the Liberal Democrats' role in repealing Section 28 and securing same-sex marriage legislation.

Celebrated the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals to science and innovation, highlighted the importance of LGBT+ History Month. Acknowledged past progress but also raised concerns about rising hate crimes against LGBTQ individuals, citing statistics from Stonewall research. Emphasised the need for full ban on conversion therapy, including protections for both sexual orientation and gender identity.

Welcomed the debate on LGBT History Month's theme of science and innovation, highlighting contributions to healthcare, economy, technology, environment. Recognised contributions from various Members and organisations like Fighting With Pride and Royal British Legion. Raised concerns over recent homophobic attacks, including Pascal Kaiser's assault, calling for support and compassion for victims. Emphasised the Conservative Government’s role in passing laws such as the Alan Turing law and the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013. Called for greater PrEP usage to reach HIV elimination goals.

Interjected briefly, acknowledging ongoing discussions or events related to LGBT History Month.

Emphasised the cross-party consensus behind same-sex marriage legislation introduced by a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government and supported overwhelmingly by Labour MPs. Highlighted Baroness Featherstone's role in this achievement.

Asked for the Conservative party’s support on making hate crime against LGBT individuals an aggravated offence, stressing the need for stronger legal protections.

This has been a fantastic debate, packed with pride and heartwarming stories. My hon. Friend the Member for Jarrow and Gateshead East talked about Out North East and the new ONE Centre in her constituency... I am proud to be a member of the gayest Parliament ever and to be a member of a Government who will advance LGBT+ rights... We will stand against the politics of division and hate, because our history teaches us that our stories are our own, claimed and retold by us, not just to remember but as a rallying call to never lose hope that love and pride will conquer fear and prejudice.

I thank the Minister for celebrating and acknowledging the contributions that other Members have made. Graham and Vinny, from Kings Hall Road in Beckenham and Penge, hold a Pride street party every summer... As well as being a day of fun, I believe that it sends a really powerful and important message of tolerance and inclusion.

Will the Minister take this opportunity to congratulate the hon. Member for Jarrow and Gateshead East (Kate Osborne), who took a very delicate and sensitive report on abusive conversion practices through the Council of Europe two weeks ago... She did it with such sensitivity and skill, and perhaps this is an opportunity to thank her for that.

The Minister will no doubt want to pay tribute to the late Lord Etherton and the excellent work he did in his 2023 review, in which there were 49 recommendations... Could the Minister update us on the 49 recommendations, and will she join me, in a cross-party spirit, in hoping that the Government will somewhere have the space to look at the courageous men and women who served in our intelligence community between 1967 and 2000, and get justice for them?