Hamas bans LGBT+ organisations & arrests & tortures queers
London, UK – 5 July 2025
Solidarity with Palestinian LGBTs and opposition to Hamas’s homophobia was the theme of the Peter Tatchell Foundation contingent on the London Pride march today, Saturday 5 July.
The leader of the contingent, Peter Tatchell, said:
“Queer organisations, events and advocacy are banned in Gaza. LGBTs are jailed, tortured and executed by Hamas. LGBTs are among the many tens of thousands Palestinian civilians killed by Israel’s murderous bombing campaign.
“Hamas is a sexist, homophobic and antisemitic dictatorship that represses civil society and executes Palestinians who criticise its tyranny. It persecutes trade unionists, journalists, lawyers, socialists and students.
“There can be no genuine Palestinian liberation without the liberation of Palestinian women and LGBTs.
“We demand equality for LGBTs, women, Arabs & Jews in Palestine and Israel.
“We support the Palestinian call for a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine co-exist. We urge peace, security, democracy and human rights for all.
“Ceasefire now! Release the Israeli hostages and Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli jails, especially Marwan Barghouti – the most popular Palestinian leader who supports a two-state solution and opposes attacks on civilians,” said Mr Tatchell.
Peter Tatchell helped organise the UK’s first Pride in 1972. He has marched in every London Pride parade since. Today was his 54th London Pride parade.