This CLP recognises that LGBT Labour have, since 1975, been at the forefront of campaigning to ensure that LGBT issues are addressed in politics, and that LGBT Labour’s work has contributed to some key pieces of equality legislation passed by Labour when in
government, including:
- Equal age of consent
- Abolition of Section 28
- Banning of workplace discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation
- Civil partnerships
This CLP also recognises that it was the support of Labour MPs and Peers that ensured that same-sex marriage passed into law during the last government.
Furthermore, this CLP recognises that LGBT Labour have been instrumental in increasing LGBT representation within the Labour Party at all political levels – councillors, MPs and MEPs. Following the 2017 General Election we now have more out LGBT MPs – 20 – than
ever before.
This CLP acknowledges that forging solid links with Socialist Societies connected to the Labour Party is very desirable. For the CLP, affiliating with LGBT Labour will have the benefit of showing that they are progressive, inclusive and committed to equalities. This is vital at a time when hard-won equal rights are coming under attack as the Tories chip away at the Equalities Act and plan to abolish the Human Rights Act and replace it with a watered-down British Bill of Rights.
Affiliation will also encourage more LGBT members to become actively involved. For LGBT Labour, affiliation will strengthen their links to the Labour Party at grassroots level. Furthermore, more active involvement of LGBT members in the CLP may lead to increased membership of LGBT Labour, and vice versa. Therefore, for both this CLP and LGBT Labour, affiliation can be seen as a valuable recruitment and organising tool, one which is mutually beneficial.