Ken shows his support to LGBT London

Thursday, 17 April 2008 23:42

Ken Livingstone last night joined MPs, the Deputy Mayor and representatives of London's lesbian and gay community in saying that London must maintain its reputation as a united city that celebrates the diversity of its population.

Ken led dozens of lesbian and gay supporters on walkabout in Soho, the heart of London's lesbian and gay community, visiting gay venues and meeting hundreds of people. The walkabout ended with speeches and entertainment at Heaven nightclub.

Linda Wilkinson and Carol Budd, the first lesbian couple to sign Ken's London Partnerships Register, said,

’Londoners of all persuasions face some stark choices when they vote on May 1st.
Had Ken not instigated the London Partnerships Register, we would not have been able, after 21 years of being together, paying our taxes and playing our part as full time citizens of this wonderful city, to finally sign the CPR and become equal. Ken demonstrated huge courage in doing this, I doubt anyone else would have had that courage.

‘London is a tolerant City, its diverse communities live in a remarkable level of harmony, including with us queers. I’ve heard people say that they are going to vote for Boris because he makes them laugh. We have a population equivalent to Australia in Greater London, we don’t think running this town is a laugh. It’s a hard job for a professional who understands what a major City needs.’

Ken Livingstone said,

'I am proud that as Mayor, and throughout my political career, I have been at the forefront of promoting rights for lesbians gay men, bisexuals and trans people. If re-elected in May I will work to ensure that London retains its reputation as a welcoming and safe place for lesbian and gay Londoners and visitors.

'A recent Stonewall survey indicates clear support for my policies of promoting equality and stamping out homophobia, but there is more to be done, not least to combat homophobic bullying in schools and the workplace. I will continue to work with the lesbian and gay community towards eradicating homophobia and achieving full equality.'