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Gay News: The Prime Minister David Cameron hosted a reception in Downing Street last night (16 May) for gay community leaders.
By: Nigel Robinson
Cameron: "I believe country is changing"
Cameron: "I believe country is changing"
Cameron greets gay community in Downing Street
It was the first time a Conservative Prime Minister had given such an event, and was held to show the coalition government’s commitment to gay rights in the run-up to Pride London on 3 July.
The Prime Minister told the guests that he backed equal rights for LGBT people, while admitting that the Conservative party “had not always got it right” when it came to equality issues.
He confirmed that his government would tackle homophobic bullying in schools, help those seeking refugee status on account of their sexual orientation, and wipe clean the historic criminal records of men convicted of having consensual gay sex.
Jokingly calling Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg his “civil partner”, he also lent support to civil partnerships being carried out in places of worship.
“We shouldn't have this legalistic nonsense getting in the way of people who want to celebrate their civil partnership in churches,” he said.
He continued: “I believe that our country is changing – changing for the better. Yes, the road to equality is long and hard. Yes, we still have a long distance to travel. But we are heading in the right direction, and we will get to our destination.”
Among the guests attending the reception were members of all the Armed Forces, Coronation Street actors Sean Tully and Amanda Barrie, Blue singer Duncan James, and Today presenter Evan Davies.
Gay rights activist Peter Tatchell was not invited to the reception.
