Stonewall thanks MPs and peers for 'goods and services' protections
Stonewall last night held a parliamentary reception to thank dozens of politicians from all the major political parties who were involved in securing new 'goods and services' protections for gay people.
More than 50 MPs and peers attended the event, held in the Jubilee Room off Westminster Hall and sponsored by Lloyds TSB. Stonewall staff and trustees acknowledged their work during the two-year long campaign to secure the new 2007 Sexual Orientation Regulations, which became law on 30 April. Those present included ministers Alan Johnson, Peter Hain, Ruth Kelly, Ben Bradshaw, Meg Munn, Jim Fitzpatrick and Baroness Ashton. MPs Angela Eagle and Chris Bryant, who worked tirelessly to secure the new regulations, were also present as were opposition frontbenchers Eleanor Laing, Nick Herbert, Charles Hendry, Baroness Barker and Lord Lester.
Environment Minister Ben Bradshaw, who co-hosted the event with Shadow Equality Minister Eleanor Laing MP told the reception: "These protections which will bring a huge improvement to the lives of gay people across Britain. Thanks must go to Stonewall. It's one of, if not the, best lobbying organisations in the country."
Eleanor Laing said: "These protections were got after a long, hard battle fought in all corners - I assure you! - of the Palace of Westminster. This piece of legislation will make a difference to the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, thanks to Stonewall."
Ben Summerskill said: "This is a historic moment for all lesbian, gay and bisexual people. A constellation of parliamentarians and others helped secure these changes. We're enormously grateful to Lloyds TSB for their generosity in sponsoring this event".
For further information contact: Andy Forrest, Communications Officer, (020 7593 1856 / 07985 439 660) or Alan Wardle, Director of Parliamentary & Public Affairs (020 7593 1854 / 07720 718 176). Out of hours media enquiries 07985 439 660.
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