General election: Where do the parties stand on LGBT+ rights?

Labour, Lib Dems and Greens promise sweeping changes in their manifestos, finds Ashley Cowburn

‘Curriculum for life’: Jo Swinson backs lesson on LGBT+ relationships (PA)

With less than a week to go until the British public head to the polls in the first December election for nearly a century, all the political parties have now published their blueprints for government. Here The Independent looks at where each party stands on LGBT+ rights, and how they propose to extend them should they win power.

Conservatives

The Tories’ manifesto includes commitments to combat harassment and violence against LGBT+ individuals, host the first ever international conference for the community, and empower teachers to tackle homophobic bullying in schools.

However, there is no mention of improving rights for transgender people. Theresa May had vowed to implement reforms to the Gender Recognition Act 2004, making it easier for trans people to self-identity, but Boris Johnson’s blueprint for government makes no mention of this reform. There is also no indication in the manifesto of whether or not a Conservative government will roll-out of the HIV prevention drug PrEP.

Labour

The party’s manifesto claims the Tories have inflicted “injustice after injustice” on LGBT+ communities and will create a new Whitehall department solely focused on women and equalities. “The Conservatives have been slow to understand the scale of abuse and discrimination LGBT+ people continue to face in our society,” it says.

The document vows to reform the aforementioned act and introduce self-declaration for transgender people, “fully fund” sexual health services and roll-out PrEP medication on the NHS.

It vows to appoint a global ambassador to the foreign office on LGBT+ issues, and also provide funding to schools to deliver mandatory LGBT+ inclusive relationships and sex education. On homelessness, the manifesto recognises the disproportionate numbers of LGBT+ individuals who are homeless and says prevention will be tailored to understand the needs unique to the community.

Liberal Democrats

Jo Swinson’s party has also committed to teaching LGBT+ relationships in state-funded schools – forming part of their “curriculum for life”. The Liberal Democrats also vow to increase funding for LGBT+ inclusive mental health services, and ensure PrEP for HIV prevention is fully available to all who need it on the NHS.

The party promises a review on the “basis of evidence any unscientific and discriminatory practices aimed solely at LGBT+ people, such as around blood donations”. Businesses with more than 250 employers will also be required to monitor and publish data on LGBT+ employment levels and pay gaps.

Internationally, the Liberal Democrats also vow to protect and defend those persecuted due to their sexuality and will offer asylum to individuals fleeing the risk of violence because of their gender identification or sexual orientation. They will also “end the culture of disbelief for LGBT+ asylum seekers” and never refuse an application “on the basis they could be discreet”.

Green Party

The Greens call for increased funding in areas of the NHS heavily relied on by LGBT+ individuals, including gender-identity clinics. Like the other major political parties, they call for compulsory teaching of LGBT+ relationships.

On gender identity, the party says: “We will also change the law so an X gender marker can be added to passports for non-binary and intersex people who wish to use it, and update theact to allow trans youth and non-binary people to get legal recognition through self-declaration."

SNP

Nicola Sturgeon’s party vows to push for reform of asylum system for LGBT+ people escaping countries where homosexuality is still criminalised. There is no mention in the manifesto of reforming the act, but the party made clear it has already started the process of reform in Scotland, with the aim to publish a draft bill before the close of 2019.

Brexit Party

No mention of LGBT+ rights.