Livingstone pledges to make London 'world's most lesbian and gay friendly city' » Local Government » 24dash.com

Ken Livingstone has launched his lesbian and gay manifesto with a pledge to make London 'the most lesbian and gay friendly city in the world'.

The manifesto outlines 20 key pledges for LGBT Londoners, including:

• Working with schools, boroughs and others to stamp out homophobic bullying in school
• Working with employers and equality organisations to stamp out homophobia in the workplace
• Bidding for the Gay Games to come to London
• Support for the development of the LGBT museum
• Continuing to support and resource Pride as a central London free event
• Supporting equality in housing
• Continuing to support lesbian and gay businesses
• Keeping the Greater London Authority at the top of gay friendly public sector employers in the UK

Ken Livingstone said: “As Mayor, and throughout my political career, I have promoted rights for lesbians and gay men. 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.

“London is undoubtedly one of the great lesbian and gay capitals of the world and I want London to continue to celebrate lesbian and gay culture in all its aspects.
 
“For many, London is a city that allows people personal freedom to express culture and live their lives in peace and as they choose. People come here to be free. I made one of my first political acts as Mayor the creation of the London Partnerships Register - to assert that lesbian and gay people should be fully recognised by the state.

"I have been delighted by how many same-sex couples have used the register and the role the register has played in convincing the Government to introduce the Civil Partnerships Act.
 
“I am determined to continue to use the full extent of my powers as Mayor to oppose homophobia and deliver for lesbian and gay equality.
 
“A recent Stonewall survey indicated 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."