The hon. Member acknowledges significant progress in LGBT rights but expresses concern over rising hate crimes targeting transgender individuals, the need for a comprehensive ban on conversion therapy without loopholes, and the threat of regression both domestically and globally.

The hon. Member pays tribute to Angela Eagle's contributions to LGBT rights while expressing deep concern over recent regressive trends, such as a petition to reinstate section 28 and daily attacks on the trans community.

The hon. Member agrees that teaching about LGBT people in schools has led to younger generations having lower rates of problems with LGB and T issues, making current debates seem alien to them.

The hon. Member expresses concern over Rwanda's record on LGBT rights and urges the House and Government to focus more on protecting LGBT individuals in countries where their lives are at risk.

Highlights historical context from ancient times onwards, discusses legal progress and setbacks in LGBT rights over centuries. Emphasises the importance of remembering past struggles and current challenges globally. Calls for the banning of conversion therapy and improved discussions on gender recognition reform. Notes the need to address confusion within the UK's legal framework regarding gender identity.

Questions whether it is a tragedy that countries seeking independence are entrenching colonial-era laws against LGBT people, suggesting a need for international cooperation to change such regressive legislation.

Commends the work of Elliot Colburn and Angela Eagle in co-chairing the APPG on global LGBT rights. Emphasises the role of parliamentarians in reaching out to other countries to help them change regressive laws.

Notes that legalisation of same-sex relationships between men was driven by conservative views rather than a celebration of gay rights, suggesting parallels with current discussions on trans issues. Disappoints in Bermuda's repeal of same-sex marriage legislation and the UK government's failure to intervene.

Discussed historical persecution of homosexuals in Britain, including executions under sodomy laws. Emphasised the evolution from criminalization to decriminalisation, noting how strict laws were imposed upon former colonies. Discussed biblical interpretations and urged Christians to reconsider attitudes towards same-sex relationships.

In her speech, Nadia Whittome highlights the importance of recognising and honouring the contributions made by LGBT+ individuals in history. She acknowledges the role of the labour movement in advancing rights for the LGBT+ community, including decriminalisation of homosexuality, equal age of consent, legal recognition of same-sex couples, and the Equality Act 2010. She also expresses concern about recent challenges faced by trans youth and the potential rollback of hard-won progress due to societal hostility and political debates. Whittome emphasises unity within the community and the determination to continue fighting for equality despite opposition. She stresses that LGBT+ history is still being made, and encourages everyone in Parliament to be on the right side of this ongoing struggle.

Congratulates hon. Member for Wallasey on securing the debate and acknowledges her public coming out in 1997, emphasising its significance for lesbians of her generation. Acknowledges the need to support LGBT individuals in countries where they face execution or lack basic rights. Uses a constituent's statement to highlight that many lesbians do not feel like celebrating during LGBT History Month due to challenges such as women-only gatherings becoming mixed and secret lesbian events being organised. Cites the reversal of Section 28 and subsequent progress, only to realise the current situation poses challenges again with concerns over access to single-sex spaces for lesbians. Discusses legal rights under the Equality Act and Human Rights Act to ensure safety, dignity, privacy, freedom of belief, expression, and association. Mentions voices opposing her stance but stands firm in supporting those who express such concerns.

Thanked the Backbench Business Committee, hon. Members who proposed the debate and all hon. Members for their contributions on LGBTQ+ History Month. Emphasised the importance of visibility, affirming those who are anxious about their identity, and celebrating history to inspire future generations. Pioneers like Angela Eagle were highlighted as providing visibility and courage during challenging times. Discussed personal experiences, including coming out at 14 and going back into the closet until early 20s due to societal prejudice. Criticised attempts to erase bisexual identities on radio programmes and emphasised that being bi is not cosplaying but a valid identity. Stressed the importance of love and resistance in overcoming hate. Cited statistics from Just Like Us survey showing high rates of suicidal thoughts among LGBT+ youth compared to non-LGBT+ youth, with black LGBT+ young people experiencing particularly high levels of distress. Advocated for LGBTQ+ experiences being discussed in schools and colleges. Critiqued outdated sex education practices and the impact of Section 28 on students' understanding of sexuality. Highlighted discrimination against bisexual individuals within the LGBTQ+ community and advocated for continued development of understanding, acceptance and tolerance. Emphasised the importance of recognising families behind every LGBTQ+ person and criticised conversion therapy as torture. Critiqued discussions portraying trans young people as a threat to society and called on allies to stand in solidarity with loved ones. Raised concerns about dehumanisation in debates and advocated for respecting lived experiences of all LGBTQ+ individuals. Called for serious consideration of the Government's consultation on the Gender Recognition Act 2004, advocating for transforming and de-medicalising the process. Praises the Equality Act 2010 as a landmark legislation for fighting discrimination and tackling bigotry but noted that GRCs are not necessary for accessing single-sex services. Emphasised the importance of LGBTQ+ communities staying proud and visible while recognising ongoing challenges and stereotypes.

Thanking the Backbench Business Committee and hon. Members for their contributions, Anneliese Dodds highlighted the importance of LGBT+ equality as a fundamental British value. She celebrated the progress made by Labour in advancing LGBT+ rights over the past 30 years but emphasised that there is still much to be done. Concerned about rising hate crimes, longer waiting times for gender identity services, and unfulfilled promises such as banning conversion therapy and reforming the Gender Recognition Act, Dodds questioned the current government's commitment to these issues. She called for a ban on conversion therapy protecting trans people, action against hate crime, equalising sentences for disability and LGBT+ motivated crimes, and reducing waiting times for gender identity clinics. Anneliese Dodds outlined Labour’s future plans including banning conversion therapy fully, fixing legal inequalities, appointing an international LGBT rights envoy, requiring employers to create harassment-free workplaces, and expanding the NHS workforce to ensure timely access to treatment.

Thanked the hon. Member for Wallasey and my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington for securing this debate, acknowledging LGBT people's existence throughout history and their contributions to modern UK society. Emphasised ongoing challenges such as harassment and discrimination, and highlighted the Government’s plans to ban conversion therapy and support victims through a dedicated service. Also noted efforts in education, promoting LGBT rights globally, and addressing health issues like mpox and HIV/AIDS. He mentioned establishing new gender clinics and updating legislation on overseas territories. Concluded by thanking Ian Green for his work at the Terrence Higgins Trust and congratulating Richard Angell as the new CEO.

Asked about the Government’s timetable for the Bill to ban conversion practices and sought confirmation that there would be no loopholes allowing people to consent to conversion therapy. Also inquired about intentions regarding the delisting of up to 18 countries issuing gender certificates via legal declaration rather than a medicalised model, expressing concern over potential impacts on transgender rights.

Asked about indicative results from the roll-out pilots of opt-out HIV testing in London and urged for national rollout as soon as possible.

It gives me great pleasure to wind up this extremely enjoyable and profound debate about LGBT History Month, which has demonstrated that there is much on which we can agree across the House and that there is much still to be done across the globe and in our society. It has also flagged up a couple of things that I worry about, not least the potential ongoing battles over GRA reform, which I had hoped we could avoid—the delisting issue is definitely a worry. I look forward to working with the Minister to achieve an inclusive and effective ban on conversion therapy sooner rather than later. I have enjoyed, and hope to continue to enjoy, the work that the all-party parliamentary group is doing to assist those across the globe where LGBT communities still suffer from oppressive laws. We will continue to do all that we can to assist the Government and their diplomatic forces to minimise that. We have had some of the most profound and important speeches that I have heard in a debate. We have had some pretty good jokes and a bit of spicy stuff, which I will not repeat, in case Madam Deputy Speaker worries about it. At the beginning of LGBT History Month, I leave the thoughts of the House with my predecessor, the first out lesbian Member of the House, Maureen Colquhoun, who was a doughty battler for the rights of lesbians and women. She was a feminist and a campaigner, and she was well ahead of her time in this House in the 1970s. She was fearless, committed and brilliant. We lost her last year, but as she was the first out lesbian MP—she was outed in the columns of the Daily Mail in terrible circumstances; what a surprise—we owe her a great deal. Those of us who are lesbians in this House have followed her trailblazing and we remember her today.