Stephen Williams MP highlights fight against homophobia

6.06.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 5th Apr 2006

Stephen Williams MP

Supporting the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) on 17th of May, Stephen Williams, Liberal Democrat MP for Bristol West, has been joined by other MPs in urging the Government to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people in the UK and abroad.

Mr Williams has tabled a Commons Early Day Motion (No.1958) which calls on MPs to welcome the second annual International Day Against Homophobia. Commenting on this motion he said:

"Although there has been progress towards equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people in the UK more still needs to be done."

"LGBT people around the world suffer harassment, discrimination, persecution, torture and execution, purely on the grounds of their LGBT status; the Government must do more to bring full equality to LGBT people in the UK and must actively encourage equality for LGBT people around the world."

Kahil Gilbran of the IDAHO UK Campaign said; "While social acceptance of homosexuality is undoubtedly increasing, below the surface there remain substantial difficulties. Homophobic violence is widespread and remains under-reported"

The Early Day Motion (No.1958) was tabled on 30.03.2006. The full text is

"That this House welcomes the second annual International Day Against Homophobia on 17th May 2006; further welcomes the fact that much progress has been made towards the fuller equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people in the UK; notes however that much yet needs to be done to create full equality; further notes that LGBT people around the world suffer harassment, discrimination, persecution, torture and execution, purely on the grounds of their LGBT status; and calls on the Government to bring full equality to LGBT people in the UK and actively to encourage equality for LGBT people around the world, both through international institutions and through bilateral dealings with other states.

The International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) site is http://www.idahomophobia.org