Brown says LGBT will not have to Walk Alone

March 01, 2010

Prime Minister acknowledged the contributions to Britain made by the gay community at a reception last week held for LGBT members of the armed forces, in what marks the 10th anniversary of service members permitted to openly serve.

 
Guests at 10 Downing were told the UK owes gays and lesbians a “debt of gratitude we can never fully repay.”
 

"Tonight we reaffirm our commitment, my commitment, the commitment of the Government to standing with you all until the full range of gay rights are achieved," he said.

"When we started as a Government on this journey, people said the dreams that we had together were impossible.

"We did all these things and more because we stood and fought together.
 

"Let me promise you tonight I will not give up on the fight for justice until justice is achieved. The road to equality is always long and it's always hard and it's always tough.
 

“I promise you that no one need walk the road to equality alone again.”

Brown raised the issue of Don’t’ Ask, Don’t Tell in the United States, acknowledging the debate there continued. He criticized California’s ban on same-sex marriage, calling it “unacceptable.”
 

Liverpool police officer James Parkes, who was seriously injured in a homophobic attack last year, was in attendance with his husband Tom.

Other guests included Paul O’Grady, Dr Christian Jessen, artist Maggi Hambling, and author Jeanette Winterson with partner Susie Orbach.

Image author: Chris Greenberg