Britain's leading LGBT publications and sites have got together
to appeal for their readers to take part in the government's
consultation on how to introduce same-sex civil marriage.
The editors have all signed a joint statement which is released
today (15 May) with just one month until the consultation ends on
14 June.
THE STATEMENT READS:
We have a very short, but historic, opportunity to help the
government introduce same-sex civil marriage in England and
Wales.
All three major parties in Westminster support the move. But a
vocal minority of religious extremists are trying to derail
it.
It's important to note that no religious organization is going to
be forced to marry a gay or lesbian couple. That would be
completely impossible under the proposed law. However, religious
homophobes have taken part in the government's consultation on
same-sex civil marriage in huge numbers, drowning out LGBT
voices.
That's why the government needs you to take part in the
consultation currently online. And that's why the LGBT media has
got together to issue this joint appeal for you to do so.
Full marriage for lesbian and gay people will strengthen couples
and enhance society as a whole. It's a move that the majority of
people in Britain agree with, as they know it will help create a
fairer society for everyone.
Beyond that, it will send out a powerful message to everyone in
Britain and the wider world: That lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender people are no longer second-class citizens and should
be treated like everyone else.
Don't let fear stand in the way of your future happiness or the
future of the next generation of gay teenagers and of thousands of
committed gay couples. Don't let bigotry stop our government from
making this a better country.
The most important thing you can do today is spend five minutes
completing the government's consultation. There's only a month left
to do it and we need thousands of responses. Do it now, before it's
too late, and ask your friends, family and colleagues, whatever
their sexuality, to do the same.
You can take part in the consultation online here:
Consultation
THE STATEMENT IS SIGNED BY:
Tris Reid-Smith, Gay Star News; Stephen Gray, Pink News; Cliff
Joannou, QX; Matthew Todd, Attitude; David Bridle, Boyz; Jane
Czyzselska, DIVA; Scott Roberts, Gaydar Radio; Sarah Garrett, g3;
David Hudson, Out In The City and Darren Scott, GT (Gay
Times).
