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Gay News: David Cameron, the Prime Minister, will host a party for gay community leaders tomorrow (16 June).
By: Nigel Robinson
David Cameron
David Cameron
PM to host gay reception in Downing Street
This will be the first time that the Conservatives and their Liberal Democrat coalition partners have hosted an official reception for the gay community.
It is expected that at the meeting Cameron will be backing a clampdown on homophobic bullying in schools, refugee status for those suffering from persecution on account of their sexual orientation, and the wiping clear of the criminal records of anyone prosecuted for consensual gay sex when it was illegal.
However, gay rights activist Peter Tatchell has drawn attention to what he calls “the elephant in the room” at the reception – the issue of gay marriage.
In an article in today’s Independent Tatchell calls the ban on same-sex civil marriage, as opposed to civil partnership, “the last homophobic law in this country”.
“Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg supports same-sex marriage but he sacrificed it as part of his deal with the Conservatives,” Tatchell writes.
“So we are left with a Prime Minister and Deputy who talk gay rights but who are unwilling to abolish the one remaining law that discriminates against lesbian and gay people - even when the abolition of this law has strong public support.
Tatchell cites a Populus poll which found that 61 per cent of the public believe that gay people should be allowed to be married in registry offices in the same manner as heterosexual couples.
“Civil partnerships are a form of sexual apartheid,” he continues.
“They enforce separate laws for heterosexuals and homosexuals, perpetuating discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
“Let's face it, marriage is the gold standard. Civil partnerships are marriage lite for queers. They are second best. No thanks.
“Let's face it, marriage is the gold standard. Civil partnerships are marriage lite for queers. They are second best. No thanks.
“If the government is sincere in its commitment to gay equality, it should forget about fancy Downing Street receptions and concentrate on delivering gay rights policies, including marriage equality.”
For the second time in two years Peter Tatchell has not been invited to the Downing Street reception. Last year he claimed that the then Prime Minister Gordon Brown had personally withdrawn his invitation.
