Stonewall responds to the Welsh Government's renewed programme for Government
"Around the world we are seeing regressive laws, curtailing freedoms and the rise of populist movements. For many LGBTQ+ people in Wales, there is fear and anxiety about what the future holds. The need for strong, principled leadership on equalities issues has rarely felt more urgent.
"We welcome the Welsh Government's commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ equality in their new Programme for Government. We urge the Government to commit to a renewed and strengthened LGBTQ+ Action Plan, to improved equality outcomes for all LGBTQ+ people in Wales.
"We are pleased to hear the Welsh Government's commitment to supporting the UK Government to take forward a fully-inclusive ban on conversion practices. It is vital that voices from survivors across Wales are heard throughout the legislative process.
"This Programme for Government come as the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee has taken the decision to pause referrals for gender affirming surgery from the Welsh Gender Service pending the outcome of an independent clinical review.
"For too long trans+ people’s lives and the services that support them have been used as a political football. Trans+ people deserve access to high quality, evidence-based, and timely healthcare that protects and supports their wellbeing and safety.
"Stonewall is committed to achieving equality under the law for all LGBTQ+ people, including trans+ people, and this means working closely with Devolved Administrations to deliver change."
