Miliband sends message of support to Pride

In his letter Mr Miliband, said:

“I want to send my best wishes to everyone taking part in this year’s Brighton Pride. As you celebrate the 20th anniversary of Brighton Pride we are reminded of the importance of the LGBT community in Brighton and Hove and of the importance of the fight for equality.

I am proud to lead a party that has consistently fought for equality. Together we have made great progress: creating an equal age of consent; ending the ban on LGBT people serving in our forces; increasing sentences for hate crime; outlawing discrimination in goods and services; and bringing about civil partnerships. And we are proud to join with you in the fight for equality in marriage.

The Labour party champions equality because it is the right thing to do. We have had an amazing summer in Britain this year celebrating the achievements of Team GB in the Olympics and Paralympic Games and marking the Diamond jubilee. The desire to create a more just society goes to the heart of what it means to be British.

Yet despite progress on LGBT equality at home and the freedom to hold events like this, in too many places it is still a crime to be gay. Pride is our opportunity to speak with one voice against homophobia, hate crimes and discrimination. I want Britain to be seen as a beacon of hope on LGBT equality, speaking out against injustice and prejudice at home and in other parts of the world.

Good luck with your 20th anniversary celebrations and together we can build a more equal and just society.”

Rt Hon Ed Miliband, MP
Leader of the Labour Party