Conservative commitment to equality 'paper thin' - Liberal Democrats

12.26.59pm GMT Fri 27th Jul 2007

Eighty percent of the current Conservative Shadow Cabinet have voted against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) equality legislation, according to figures released today by the Liberal Democrats.

On the 40th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality, the party is also calling on the Government to implement a three-point plan for true LGBT equality.

The Liberal Democrat plan calls for:

• Better action in schools, including age appropriate sex and relationship education, and measures to tackle homophobic and transphobic bullying.

• Consistent and comprehensive legislation, with a Single Equality Act using current race legislation as a template to protect people on the grounds of their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

• A public sector duty to promote equality.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader Menzies Campbell said:

"Gay and lesbian rights have come a long way over the last forty years, and anti-discrimination laws have changed things for the better.

"But for true equality to be achieved we need a cultural shift too.

"We need to ensure that homophobic bullying is stamped out in schools and workplaces.

"It is not by accident that there are very few openly gay people in the sports world, or in the City: discrimination and fear of discrimination still overshadow the personal and professional lives of too many people.

"It is the duty of all of us to show our disapproval of discrimination in all its guises, in order that everyone has the chance to live their lives freely and without intimidation."

Commenting on the unveiling of figures showing the Conservative front-bench voting record, Liberal Democrat Equality Spokesperson, Jo Swinson MP said:

"That 80% the of the current shadow cabinet, appointed by David Cameron, have voted against significant LGBT rights legislation shows that his commitment to equality is paper thin.

"Worse still, David Cameron himself actively voted against the repeal of section 28 and against adoption by same sex couples.

"David Cameron's 21st Century rhetoric can't hide his party's 19th Century principles."