Leading figures from the Green Party will be attending Brighton and Hove Pride 2012 on Saturday to demonstrate solidarity with lesbian, gay, bi and trans communities.
Brighton & Hove is the first Green-led council in the UK, sometimes dubbed the UK's 'gay capital'.
Peter Tatchell, human rights campaigner and Keith Taylor, Green member of the European Parliament for Southeast England, will join the Brighton & Hove City Council’s LGBT Champions* - Councillors Stephanie Powell and Mike Jones - alongside Green Party activists to show their support for equality including for the topical issue of same-sex civil marriage.
Keith and Peter will join Green MP Caroline Lucas as well as several of the Green Party councillors including the leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, Jason Kitcat, to bring national and international perspectives to the day.
They will focus on the importance of equal marriage both at a national and international level with a petition on equal marriage which will be available for the public to sign in Preston Park.
Peter Tatchell, said, "The Green Party conference was, in 2009, the first party conference to vote in favour of same-sex civil marriages and opposite-sex civil partnerships.
"Some years earlier, Green leaders and MEPs were pushing for marriage equality.
"I am proud that the Greens are still in the forefront of the movement for equal marriage rights and LGBT freedom.
"I will be marching with the Greens to show my support for their long-standing commitment to LGBT equality.”
Councillors Stephanie Powell and Mike Jones added, "We are very proud to be marching alongside so many diverse groups at this year’s Pride. It is important to remember that so many countries cannot by law, celebrate diversity.
"How wonderful it is to be an out-gay elected politician in this fabulous city, and to be celebrating Pride in its 20th year.
"But we still have work to do and the struggle for equality isn’t over."
Keith Taylor, Green MEP for South East England added, "It's fantastic that for the last twenty years the organisers of Brighton & Hove Pride have worked so hard to put on this event which has gained an international reputation.
"I'm proud to be taking part in Saturday's celebrations and I hope they'll show that Brighton & Hove continues to be a place where we are proud to openly celebrate the diversity of our community.
"As a member of the European Parliament I welcome this year's international theme.
"As much as Saturday is a chance to celebrate and party, it is also a chance to highlight that around the world many people still face persecution because of their sexuality.
"I will be highlighting the work the European Parliament does to raise these issues and I hope that Pride will send a strong message of support to LGBT people worldwide.”
Notes
*Brighton and Hove City Council LGBT Champions were introduced by the Green-led council to keep the profile and needs of the city’s LGBT population prominent in political decision-making in the city.
The Green Party is preparing for Brighton Pride: press release here: http://www.lgbtgreens.org.uk/news/2012/brighton_pride_greens_celebrate_united_colours_of_pride.aspx
National LGBTQI Greens' site:
*Brighton and Hove City Council LGBT Champions were introduced by the Green-led council to keep the profile and needs of the city’s LGBT population prominent in political decision-making in the city.