Natalie Bennett, leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, has launched the party’s LGBTIQ Manifesto in Soho today.
The manifesto contains pledges to
• Review the discriminatory blood ban
• Introduce LGBTIQ-inclusive sex education
• Protect LGBTIQ asylum seekers
• Improve services for trans people
• Promote LGBTIQ rights abroad
Bennett gave a speech in Soho Square alongside Peter Tatchell. She said:
“Homophobia, transphobia and biphobia are still all too common in our society. Too many people still fear persecution – at home, in the workplace and on the street.
“In Parliament the Greens’ Caroline Lucas has been a tireless advocate for equal rights. She led calls for LGBTIQ-inclusive sex education, and fought against loopholes that meant that same-sex spouses did not receive equal pension rights.
“And our promise to the LGBTIQ community is that a strong group of MPs will always work with you, and fight for your rights. We know that the struggle continues – and we’ll do everything within our power to work with you towards ending discrimination.”
The Green Party is polling at record levels ahead of a General Election. Membership of the Green Party, the third largest party in England and Wales, sky-rocketed by 123% in 2014 and continues to surge in 2015. The combined membership of UK Green parties now stands at over 70,000.
The Green Party is standing candidates in over 90% of seats, meaning more people than ever before will be able to vote Green on May 7th 2015.