The new Equality Wins election manifesto puts LGBTQI needs at the forefront of the upcoming election
BY SOPHIE GRIFFITHS, IMAGE VIA NEXTGEN AMERICA
On 12 December, the United Kingdom will head to the polls for another general election, the outcome of which could determine the kind of country we live in for decades to come.
Equality Wins election manifesto is designed to ensure that the rights of the LGBTQI community remain on the agenda for the upcoming election. It consists of 10 key commitments for securing a fair and equal society for all LGBTQI people.
Included in the manifesto is a commitment to legislate for tougher action on LGBTphobic hate crime including online hate crime, end the poor treatment of LGBT people seeking asylum and refuge, and reforming the Gender Recognition Act.
Paul Martin OBE, Chief Executive of the LGBT Foundation says: “We are urging every LGBT person and our allies to have their voices heard on 12 December, because if we’re not counted, we don’t count. Our #VoteWithPride campaign will ensure that LGBT people and our allies are registered to vote, and can get to the ballot box.”
There is still some way to go, but there has been momentous progress for LGBTQI communities over the past few decades: victories on equal marriage, the repeal of Section 28, and the Equality Act among others.
None of this could have been accomplished if we hadn’t spoken up– particularly at the ballot box. Our vote is more than just putting a cross on a piece of paper; it is a fundamental democratic right.
Follow the work of LGBT Foundation who are working to secure a safe, healthy and equal future for all LGBT people over at www.lgbt.foundation.
P.S. make sure you’re registered to vote 12 December here – the deadline for registration is 26 November.
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