“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.

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.”