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“We won’t wait another 50 years for lasting equality” says Cllr Phelim MacCafferty

This weekend tens of thousands of people will take to the city’s streets celebrating our LGBT+ communities, says Phelim MacCafferty, Convenor of the Green Party.

Cllr. Phelim MacCafferty
Cllr. Phelim MacCafferty

Phelim continues: “Our special city which has provided refuge for thousands of LGBT+ people will remind the world of our values of hope and solidarity. The Green Party has been a longstanding advocate of LGBT rights and this weekend we will, once again, be proud to march for equality.

“This year’s Pride celebrations mark 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in the United Kingdom – Scotland had to wait until 1980, Northern Ireland, 1982. While apologies have been issued to those whose love was labelled a ‘crime,’ no apology will erase the years of discrimination people living with a criminal record have had to endure.

“We follow in the footsteps of ordinary LGBT+ people and community organisations whose unwavering voices have, 50 years later, made mainstream the right to live without prejudice. As the city becomes a show of colour and celebration we should take the time to remember that LGBT+ people at home and abroad still face bigotry and violence. Today we marched for them.

“In the aftermath of the Brexit referendum only a year ago hate crimes against LGBT+ people increased by 147%. One in four LGBT+ people have experienced violent hate crime. Four in ten British people believe gay sex is unnatural. Homophobia is legitimised in government with the stridently homophobic DUP, who have blocked equal marriage in Northern Ireland.

“Being gay is still illegal in 72 countries around the world. Horrific accounts of the torture of gay men in Chechnya remind us why it is so important to recognise LGBT rights. As important is the work to highlight that LGBT people- often from former British colonies- flee here to escape torture and persecution. Theresa May’s lukewarm words about ending discrimination must apply to them too.

“There is no question we have come a long way in 50 years, but today our voices must ring out to say we won’t wait another 50 to have lasting equality here and abroad. I wish everyone a safe, happy and sustainable Pride.”

“Somewhere over the rainbow”

Co-op unveils its first rainbow hearse at Brighton Pride.

Co-op Funeralcare’s first Rainbow hearse will be unveiled this weekend.

Believed to be one of only two in the UK, attendees at Brighton Pride will be the first to see the new vehicle. It is the most recent addition to Co-op Funeralcare’s growing fleet of 7 specialist hearses, now ranging from a Land Rover hearse to a 1933 Austin and a Japanese Buddhist themed vehicle.

Originally a Ford Cardinal, the hearse has been transformed with the full colours of the rainbow.

Its introduction to Co-op’s existing fleet was driven by a request that came through Brighton’s Funeralcare team, followed by a nationwide rise in requests from loved ones who want to personalise funeral services as tributes to the lives of gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual friends and relatives.

The multi-coloured launch follows on from a shift away from sombre send offs, a trend witnessed across the 100,000 funerals that the Co-op conducts every year.

Data released by the Co-op reveals that this is set to increase in the future as almost a quarter (23%) of Britons say they want to make their last journey in a personalised vehicle.

In addition to these findings, two-thirds (66%) of adults say that funerals are becoming more of a celebration of life and almost half (47%) of UK adults would like their own funeral to be conducted this way.

Speaking about the launch, Martin Baker, Head of Central Operations for the Co-op, said: “Personalisation within funerals is something we’re seeing more and more of as families want to reflect the personalities and interests that our loved ones had while they were alive. If a request is possible to do and there’s a demand for it, our funeral directors and arrangers will do their utmost to make it happen.

“At Co-op Funeralcare we always listen to our clients’ wishes which is why we’ve introduced the rainbow hearse to our fleet, we’re hoping it gives more families the unique and memorable send-off their loved one would’ve wanted.’’

The new vehicle will be available immediately for funerals organised by Co-op Funeralcare and can be transported to any location within the UK where requested by a loved one.

It forms part of a broader commitment to equality and diversity at Co-op, not only within local communities but also via Respect; Co-op’s award winning, inclusive lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) network.

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