Lesbian and gay electors are being urged to "Queer The Vote" in the European elections, on Thursday, 10th June 1999.
The call comes from OutRage!, who are urging gay people to vote against parties that support homophobic discrimination, and in favour of those that promote equality.
"The parties should judged by their actions, not their words",
says Stephen Kristian of OutRage!. "Labour professes support
for gay equality, but has repeatedly blocked attempts to end
antigay discrimination.
"If you want to keep homophobic laws, vote Labour. People who
want gay equality should vote for a party that matches its progay
sentiments with parliamentary action.
"The Labour Government is the main obstacle to gay equality.
Tony Blair has the power to legislate homosexual human rights,
but he is refusing to so.
"Ten per cent of the electorate is lesbian, gay or bisexual.
Queer votes could influence the outcome of the European
elections. It is important that the gay community uses its
political power to secure the election of gay-friendly MEPs to
the European Parliament
According to Peter Tatchell of Outrage!: "On eight occasions
since its election in May 1997, Labour has torpedoed measures
to remedy homophobic discrimination.
"Labour is enforcing the
ban on lesbians and gays in the military,
and has twice killed off proposals to protect homosexuals
against discrimination in employment.
"Last year, the Government vetoed action
against homophobic hate crimes,
and it blocked a ban on discrimination based on
sexual orientation and HIV status.
"Jack Straw scuppered attempts to scrap the offence of gross
indecency and the criminalisation of gay sex involving the
presence of more than two people.
"Labour is refusing to give the new Greater London Authority
the power to pursue equal opportunities policies, including for
gays and lesbians
Straw has hitherto refused even to consult with the L/G/B/T community, apart from secret negotiations with Stonewall, who do not claim to be democratic or representative.
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