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Pride Month
01 July 2021
Lead MP
Angela Eagle
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Women & Equalities
Other Contributors: 30
At a Glance
Angela Eagle raised concerns about pride month in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
It is a pleasure to open this cross-party Backbench Business Committee debate as Pride Month 2021 comes to its conclusion. All too sadly, once more coronavirus restrictions have meant that it has been more online than on the streets, and less visible and impactful because of that... The Government must follow international best practice and allow trans and non-binary people to obtain legal gender recognition through a simple administrative process.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
It is a pleasure to open this cross-party Backbench Business Committee debate as Pride Month 2021 comes to its conclusion. All too sadly, once more coronavirus restrictions have meant that it has been more online than on the streets, and less visible and impactful because of that... The Government must follow international best practice and allow trans and non-binary people to obtain legal gender recognition through a simple administrative process.
Elliot Colburn
Lab
Bootle
Welcomed the debate, highlighted the importance of celebrating progress in LGBT+ rights while acknowledging ongoing challenges such as hate crime, conversion therapy, and healthcare disparities. Emphasised the need for an end to LGBT+ conversion therapy and better support for HIV/AIDS treatment.
Dan Carden
Lab
Liverpool Walton
Shared personal experiences of struggling with mental health and alcohol addiction due to internalised shame and fear from being LGBT+. Highlighted the importance of seeking help through AA meetings, psychotherapy, and counselling. Advocated for reducing stigma around addiction and promoting meaningful change.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
David Mundell shared his personal experience of coming out as gay in Parliament, emphasising the supportive environment he found here. He highlighted that while his journey was easy due to a loving family, friends, and colleagues, others may not have such positive experiences. Mundell acknowledged ongoing issues with homophobia on social media but also celebrated legal victories against hate speech. He stressed the importance of education as a tool for change and commended initiatives like TIE in Scotland and School Diversity Week. Additionally, he spoke about his role in promoting LGBT+ rights internationally through the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
Nickie Aiken
Con
Cities of London and Westminster
Paid tribute to previous speakers and expressed pride in the rich LGBTQ+ heritage in her constituency, including historical landmarks like Covent Garden and Soho. Acknowledged the importance of community during the covid-19 crisis and praised her council's lead member for LGBTQ+ rights who won a global award. Highlighted the London Pride march attendance of 1.5 million spectators in 2019. Welcomed the Government’s ban on conversion therapy and its ambition to ensure UK remains tolerant. Noted that it was only in 2002 that a sitting Conservative MP declared his homosexuality, emphasising progress made. Encouraged legislative reforms to tackle violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.
James Murray
Lab Co-op
Ealing North
James Murray emphasises the importance of continuing to fight for LGBT+ equality both in the UK and globally. He highlights significant progress made, such as the introduction of marriage equality and protections against discrimination. However, he also underscores ongoing challenges like legalising conversion therapy, addressing hate crimes against transgender individuals, and supporting young people at risk of homelessness due to family rejection after coming out. Murray stresses that despite advancements in LGBT+ rights, there remains a critical need for political activism to ensure further progress.
Crispin Blunt
Con
Reigate
This debate has been marked by incredibly powerful contributions, not least from the hon. Member for Ealing North; it is my pleasure and privilege to chair the all-party parliamentary group on global LGBT+ rights and to do that with the support of the hon. Member for Wallasey, who opened the debate so powerfully; I want to look forward and try to focus on the positive elements of what we can do going forward, particularly on the parliamentary liaison scheme; there is a link between trauma from coming out and the problematic use of drugs including alcohol, and colleagues have been through this trauma. There are huge opportunities that we have missed as well in our rush to prohibit drugs without proper cost-benefit analysis; we need to get our laws right for evidence-based policy on mental health treatments.
Rosie Winterton
Lab
Sheffield Central
Order. I must ask the hon. Gentleman to bring his remarks to an end fairly shortly. I would like to get everybody in and he has had 15 minutes so far.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Emphasises the importance of Pride Month for celebrating LGBT rights and addressing ongoing challenges such as rising hate crimes, long waiting lists for gender services, health inequalities, and international aid cuts. Calls for legislative action on conversion therapy and reforming the Gender Recognition Act. Expresses concern over increasing hostility against LGBT people worldwide and urges the UK Government to support activists in countries like Senegal.
Reflects on personal experiences as an openly gay man and celebrates progress, including Pride Month recognition and same-sex marriages. Acknowledges the impact of historical discrimination and supports current efforts against conversion therapy. Highlights solidarity with the trans community and expresses pride in British LGBT rights while noting global challenges.
John Nicolson
SNP
Glasgow North East
Celebrated the progress made in LGBT+ rights since decriminalisation, highlighted ongoing challenges such as social isolation among older LGBT people during the pandemic and homelessness risk for young LGBT individuals due to bullying. Noted international concerns, particularly Russia's treatment of gay people and countries that criminalise homosexuality. Emphasised the importance of combating transphobic attitudes and protecting trans siblings.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Paid tribute to efforts by LGBT+ groups in Newport East, such as Rainbow Newport and Stonewall Cymru. Highlighted work done by Newport City Council to improve rights across the city, including the commitment to ensure the council chamber is more representative of the communities it serves. Emphasised that Pride should also serve as a chance to reflect on what still needs to be done, such as recognising rising hate crimes and addressing inequalities.
Martin Docherty
SNP
West Dunbartonshire
Paid tribute to Georgia's efforts for equality despite constitutional rights. Highlighted the importance of hearing more voices from women, young black people, and other minority ethnic communities within the LGBT community. Emphasised solidarity with trans brothers and sisters who are targeted by non-state actors. Recognised that diversity is our greatest strength but it is being undermined by such actions.
Angela Crawley
SNP
Lanark and Hamilton East
Congratulates the hon. Member for Wallasey, Elliot Colburn and John Nicolson on securing this debate; recalls first engaging in a debate on equal marriage which inspired her to become an MP today as an openly gay woman; highlights that Pride celebrations have been limited due to covid but it is still important to discuss LGBT rights in Parliament; celebrates more acceptance of same-sex marriages, civil partnerships, and rainbow families; shares personal story about growing up Catholic and feeling constrained by faith regarding her sexuality; calls on the Minister to look carefully at Home Office policies regarding asylum seekers based on their sexual orientation.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Emphasises the importance of a debate like this for sending a clear message that everyone should be comfortable in expressing who they are; highlights significant progress made such as ending section 28, creating civil partnerships, and equal marriage; mentions recent positive developments like gay men being able to donate blood; criticises Hungarian Government's proposed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation; celebrates the first Pride festival in Kirkwall, Orkney, which was a joyous occasion despite covid regulations; looks forward to Shetland hosting the most northerly Pride next year.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
I start by congratulating the hon. Members for Carshalton and Wallington, Ochil and South Perthshire, and my hon. Friend the Member for Wallasey. Pride Month is an opportunity to reflect on progress made on LGBT+ rights, but also to acknowledge that there are those who want us to take a step back, such as on trans rights. The struggle for rights takes new forms in each generation. I welcome the Government’s commitment to ban so-called conversion therapy, but we need action now and no acceptance of exemptions. Internationally, we must encourage our friends and allies around the world, especially in the Commonwealth, to repeal homophobic laws and bring real equality.
I pay tribute to Leeze Lawrence who was a force for good and passed away recently. Pride is a protest against injustice, inequality, ignorance, and bigotry. Progress is not guaranteed and rights are reversible. We have come a long way in these islands but there are countless millions around the world who do not enjoy that freedom and equality. Rights must be maintained and fought for daily. I reaffirm my solidarity with trans brothers and sisters as well as women’s rights. Women should fear abusive men, not the trans community. Pride is about equality for all of us.
Ian Byrne
Lab
Liverpool West Derby
Stresses the importance of community cohesion, education, and the fight against hate crimes. He mentions specific homophobic attacks in Liverpool and calls for more action on conversion therapy.
Highlights progress made over the years such as marriage equality and blood donation rights for men who have sex with men. Criticises corporations for using Pride Month for marketing without contributing to charities, and stresses the importance of solidarity beyond June. Addresses conversion therapy and transphobia issues.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Expresses concern over the legality of conversion therapy and urges for a timetable to ban it. Acknowledges the work done by colleagues such as Angela Eagle on LGBT rights but notes that further action is needed, particularly in schools where funding has been reduced. Raises concerns about reductions in international spending which may undermine efforts to promote equality abroad. Also discusses local initiatives supporting LGBTQ youth and calls for cross-party support against actions like welcoming Viktor Orbán. Questions the Minister on training for classroom teachers and progress on the Gender Recognition Act.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Reiterates the need to ban conversion therapy, criticising delays in implementing this promise despite multiple pledges from different Prime Ministers. Urges for immediate action and highlights the importance of cross-party support against conversion therapy. References Alan Turing's legacy and current legal status of conversion therapy as a form of hypocrisy. Emphasises the need for an urgent ban on conversion therapy.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Luton North
I thank my hon. Friend for securing the debate and pay tribute to LGBTQ+ colleagues who have spoken today, including Dan Carden for his bravery. I acknowledge the progress made on LGBTQ+ rights but emphasise that continuous effort is needed to combat fear and hatred. The hate crime of homophobia has increased in the past year; there are fears when voices attack trans people or Stonewall. True equality means supporting all human rights without division, which makes it a safer place for everyone.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing the debate and thank those who contributed today. I welcome this opportunity to celebrate Pride Month while acknowledging violence against LGBTQ+ people, including homophobic attacks in Liverpool last month. The Government's culture war against trans rights is concerning, with delays in banning conversion therapy despite promises made three years ago. Conversion therapy has a devastating impact on vulnerable individuals; 51% of those who underwent it reported that it was conducted by faith groups. I call for legislation to ban these cruel practices and ensure timely access to gender identity clinics for urgent support.
Kirsten Oswald
SNP
West Tyrone
I am a feminist who supports LGBT rights and issues. I express concern over the situation in Hungary, including UEFA's decision not to light up the stadium in Munich for Pride colours. In America under Trump, there was a rollback of rights and protections for LGBT citizens which is unacceptable. Education is crucial for understanding difference positively and inclusively, and role models are important. The SNP welcomes trans people and opposes any form of transphobia or discrimination. Conversion therapy is abhorrent and should be banned comprehensively by the UK Government.
Warrington North
This has been an excellent debate on Pride Month. I am exceptionally proud to respond to it as shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, paying tribute to the many contributors, particularly highlighting the significant contributions from the north-west of England. The LGBT community faces ongoing issues such as hate crimes which have surged in recent years, with reported incidents almost tripling since 2014-15. Trans people face daily discrimination, including long NHS waiting lists for gender identity services, where over 13,500 adults are on the waitlist and many face average waits of up to 18 months. Labour supports a ban on all harmful conversion practices for LGBT individuals, urging the government to follow through with comprehensive legislation.
Mike Freer
Con
Finchley and Golders Green
Pays tribute to the sponsors of the debate, discusses visibility and importance of Pride events globally. Highlights government initiatives such as 'Safe To Be Me' conference and funding for Commonwealth Equality Network. Mentions achievements like same-sex marriage legislation. Addresses issues such as health, education, conversion therapy ban, hate crime reduction, and support during the pandemic.
Elliot Colburn
Con
Carshalton and Wallington
Co-sponsor of the debate; mentioned in passing.
John Nicolson
SNP
Ochil and South Perthshire
Contributed powerfully to the debate, as acknowledged by Mike Freer.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
Emphasised the importance of progress towards a society where everyone feels confident and respected regardless of their sexual orientation. Highlighted the struggles faced by LGBT individuals in the past, praised significant progress made over the last two decades, expressed disappointment at the absence of an Equalities Minister, called for legislation to ban conversion therapy without loopholes or religious exemptions, and advocated for proper sex and relationship education in schools.
Eleanor Laing
Con
unknown constituency
Expressed appreciation for the debate and noted that everyone who wished to contribute had done so fully. The debate concluded with a resolution affirming the House's consideration of Pride Month.
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