Gay politicians urge LGBT community to remain in EU
A host of LGBT MPs have come together to try and convince the LGBT community to remain in the EU.
Thirty gay MPs and peers today stepped into the EU referendum battle as they urged the LGBT community to unite behind the Remain banner.
In a letter written to the London Evening Standard – marking International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia – the politicians hailed the EU’s history of promoting human rights worldwide.
“A lot has been achieved but there’s still more to be done,” said the letter, whose signatories include Labour shadow business secretary Angela Eagle, Tory Scottish Secretary David Mundell and Lord Cashman, a founding member of Stonewall.
“This year the EU hopes to secure agreement on the advancement of LGBTI equality covering education, employment, health and asylum across all 28 member states.
“Why would we risk all of this by leaving the EU?”
“We must use our influence to promote LGBTI rights across Europe. The United Kingdom is best placed to do this as part of the EU.”
The new Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is flying the rainbow flag from City Hall today to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT).
The annual event is observed on May 17 across the world, aiming to raise awareness of the discrimination that still faces LGBT people at home and around the world.
Labour politician Mr Khan, who became the Mayor of London earlier this month, is one of the country’s most prominent pro-LGBT Muslim politicians.
He has been candid about receiving death threats from some hardline Islamist preachers after voting in favour of same-sex marriage in 2013, and is a strong voice for tolerance.
To mark IDAHOT, the politician today ordered the Pride flag be flown from City Hall today, alongside the Union Flag.
