Liberal Democrats launch manifesto focusing on LGBT+

In the United Kingdom, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, released his party’s election manifesto for 2024, promising a series of measures aimed at the LGBTQ+ community, such as the recognition of non-binary identities in law and the removal of medical reports from the gender recognition process. The manifesto, unveiled at an event in London on Monday 10 June, is 114 pages long and has been described as “carefully funded”.

The Liberal Democrats are the first party to release their election manifesto ahead of the July 4th general election, and the document has been billed as a “manifesto to save the NHS”, with promises including GP appointments within 7 days, guaranteed cancer treatment within two months and mental health professionals in schools.

The manifesto also highlights a series of policies related to LGBTQ+ equality and rights. Key promises include banning all forms of conversion therapy and reforming the gender recognition process to remove the requirement for medical reports and the spousal veto, as well as legal recognition of non-binary identities.

Davey said the party is committed to defending the rights of all sexual orientations and gender identities, including trans and non-binary people. “Everyone should be able to live their lives as they are: free to pursue their dreams and fulfill their potential, safe in the knowledge that their fundamental rights will be protected,” said the Liberal Democrat leader.

In addition to health issues and LGBTQ+ rights, the Liberal Democrats’ manifesto includes promises to promote diversity and combat institutional prejudice. The party also pledges to require large employers to monitor and publish data on diversity, including gender, ethnicity, disability and LGBTQ+ employment levels.The immigration and asylum section of the manifesto promises to provide safe and legal routes for refugees, including those fleeing violence because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The party also intends to develop an international strategy to promote the decriminalization of homosexuality and LGBTQ+ rights.

By Ezatamentchy