Labour deputy leadership candidates pledge support for new incitement laws
Labour deputy leadership candidates have explained how Britain would be different for gay people if they were successful in their current campaigns.
Stonewall asked the candidates:
"If you were Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, what would it mean for Britain's gay people?"
"Do you support new incitement laws to protect gay people?"
The responses are set out below.
Ben Summerskill, Stonewall chief executive, said "We're delighted that every one of the candidates who might become deputy prime minister within weeks has acknowledged the importance of lesbian and gay equality. We look forward to working with whoever is elected".
HILARY BENN
As a Cabinet Minister for the last three years, I'm proud that the Government has put through important legislation such as the Equality Act and the Civil Partnership Act. But we must never forget that changing the statute books is only part of the solution. We also need to win hearts and minds, and overcome prejudice, and change the culture of our society, starting with education.
I can see the advantage of legislation to outlaw inciting homophobic hatred and will consider it carefully.
HAZEL BLEARS
I will champion the rights of lesbian, gay and bisexual people to equal treatment, and I will ensure that this agenda remains on the Cabinet table.
I support a new offence of incitement to homophobic hatred, and I would also press for more specialist prosecutors to ensure a higher level of prosecutions. We also need to do more for victims of homophobic violence within the legal system.
JON CRUDDAS
The current Labour government has seen many advances for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Britain, and I am proud to have supported that. I believe we need to ensure the legislation we have passed has teeth, and that equality legislation is adhered to. I will also work to make sure the Single Equality Act is passed within this parliament, and that it 'levels up' rights across equality strands.
I believe we need a 'levelling up' effect across all equality legislation and that includes incitement to homophobic hatred being a criminal offence.
PETER HAIN
I am proud of the huge advances in lesbian and gay equality under Labour. As a minister, I have consistently supported equality - including outlawing discrimination in goods and services in Northern Ireland, without religious exemptions and five months earlier than the rest of Britain.
As Deputy Leader, I will continue to back gay rights, supporting a new offence of incitement to homophobic hatred.
HARRIET HARMAN
Equality is at the very heart of everything I've ever fought for. I've been a consistent and forthright campaigner for equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual people for decades. I believe there should be a new Equality Act which deepens and strengthens the law guaranteeing equality for all. It isn't just about changing the law, however. We need to change the culture of homophobic bullying in schools and on the football terraces and we need to foster a real commitment in every area of Government to diversity. The Criminal Justice Bill gives us the opportunity to extend the offence of incitement to homophobic hatred.
ALAN JOHNSON
I am proud of my record in standing up for gay and lesbian people: As Trade & Industry Secretary I worked with Stonewall to introduce protection against discrimination in the provision of goods, facilities and services. We need now to go beyond legislation to embed a culture change in society, supporting schools to tackle homophobic bullying and teach the value of civil partnerships alongside marriage in the 11-14 curriculum.
I would support a new offence of incitement to homophobic hatred in principle.
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