Developing our LGBT+ policy for the future

Social justice is at the heart of everything we believe in as Liberal Democrats.

Not just social justice for some, but for everyone.

That is why we work so hard to ensure that we can deliver positive change for our often victimised and vulnerable LGBT+ community.

From Ed Davey moving the repeal of the abhorrent Section 28, to the tireless work of Liberal Democrat ministers like Lynne Featherstone in getting the Same Sex Marriage Act passed, our party has always been at the heart of many important steps towards equality.

But sadly there is still more to do.

Prejudice and discrimination are still far too often visited on the LGBT+ community.

Made worse by years of a Conservative government intent on using vulnerable people as pawns in their culture wars. Not to mention the heartbreaking reality that LGBT+ people are more likely to suffer from poor health outcomes, homelessness, and difficulties accessing public services.

Liberal Democrats want to build a country where nobody’s life chances are limited because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. That is why I will be producing a spokesperson’s paper, in my capacity as Women and Equalities Spokesperson, to outline what steps we need to take to make this a reality.

I am consulting widely - both across the party, and with external groups and experts, and consulting fellow MPs, and spokespeople who cover crucial issues such as Health and Social Care, Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs.

To make sure I reach as wide a group of party members as possible I have set up a consultation form, which I hope as many Liberal Democrat members as possible will fill in. I would be very grateful if you might be able to spare a few minutes to complete this survey, which can be found here:

The consultation will close on Friday 1 November.

It is crucial that our party policy in this area continues to be progressive, comprehensive and focused on the issues that matter most to LGBT+ people. Thank you for your help.