Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

LGBT Rights

Wednesday 6 May 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Robert Largan inquired about why married monogamous gay couples cannot donate blood or plasma, to which the Minister responded that the rules are set by the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs.
  • Dehenna Davison asked about the disproportionate impact of the covid lockdown on the LGBT+ community and the Government's plans to support them, to which the Minister stated they are ensuring health support, including by extending Dr Michael Brady's contract.
  • Gill Furniss questioned the assurance of continued access to gender identity services for trans people during the coronavirus pandemic, to which the Minister confirmed the Government's commitment to supporting all LGBT people and extending Dr Michael Brady's contract to secure this support.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Robert Largan Lab High Peak
Women & Equalities
Context

Asks about the UK's stance and actions in supporting LGBT rights, mentioning an upcoming international conference.

Question

The Government have a strong record on LGBT rights, especially the introduction of equal marriage. We have come a long way, but there is still work to be done. Can my right hon Friend tell me why a married monogamous gay couple living in High Peak cannot donate blood or plasma, including for the ongoing and vital covid-19 trial?

Answer from The Minister for Women and Equalities Elizabeth Truss

I appreciate that many gay and bisexual men want to contribute to the efforts to fight this virus. The rules that specify the conditions for donating blood are from the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs. I am taking up this matter with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to see what changes could be made.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Dehenna Davison Con Bishop Auckland
Women & Equalities
Context

Highlights reports indicating that the pandemic disproportionately affects mental health, domestic abuse, and homelessness in the LGBT+ community.

Question

We have seen numerous reports that the covid lockdown is having a disproportionately negative impact on the LGBT+ community. With the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia coming up on 17 May, what are the Government doing to ensure that LGBT+ people are receiving the support needed throughout the covid crisis?

Answer from The Minister for Women and Equalities Elizabeth Truss

I thank my hon Friend for her question. We are ensuring that LGBT people get proper support during the covid crisis, including health support. In March, I extended the contract of Dr Michael Brady as our national adviser on LGBT healthcare.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Gill Furniss Lab Ellesmere Port and Neston
Women & Equalities
Context

Asks about the impact of reduced services at gender identity clinics due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Question

Owing to the coronavirus pandemic, gender identity clinics in England have had to reduce their services. While it is understandable that hospitals prioritise their services during this crisis, can the Minister assure the House that trans people will still be able to access the gender identity services they need during the crisis?

Answer from The Minister for Women and Equalities Elizabeth Truss

We absolutely want to ensure that all LGBT people are able to secure that support during the crisis. That is why we have extended the contract of Dr Michael Brady, and where we are able to provide those services we are ensuring that we do.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email