Green Mayoral candidate Jenny Jones was yesterday joined by
human rights spokesperson Peter Tatchell as she canvassed
supporters In London's Old Compton Street.
The move comes shortly after Jones was joined by Brian Paddick,
Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone for Stonewall's Mayorak hustings,
last weekend.
Jones said: "At election time, it is sometimes easy for
politicians to trot out a number of LGBT-specific policies and
forget that LGBT voters are just as concerned about issues such as
creating jobs, cheaper transport costs, crime and the cost of
living in the capital.
"The Green Party doesn't make that distinction. By voting for more
Green Assembly Members, Londoners can help create a fresh approach
to the capital that invests in creating the new jobs we need and
makes life here more affordable and healthy for everyone."
Tatchell, who defected to the Green Party after becoming
disillusioned with Labour, said: "The Greens were the first party
to support same-sex marriage and an end to the lifetime ban on gay
blood donors.
"Now, we want all schools to teach LGBT sexuality and equality
issues, to combat prejudice and bullying.
"To protect LGBT communities against hate crimes, Jenny Jones will
press the police to produce an Anti-Homophobia Action Plan in every
borough. Plus we've got imaginative policies on transport, housing
and the environment.
"If you're pink, go Green."
Policies in the Greens 2012 London Elections Manifesto
include:
1. Ensuring that the provision of al l London public services are
responsive to the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
citizens.
2. Supporting the right to civil marriage for al l same-sex
couples, and the right for heterosexual couples to enjoy civil
partnerships.
3. Guaranteeing a police liaison officer in every borough to work
with the LGBT communities with an Anti-Homophobia Action Plan to
tackle local hate crimes.
4. Campaiging for improved access to sexual health services and
ring-fenced funding for health promotion around HIV / AIDS
prevention amongst at risk communities.
5. Arguing against central Government cuts to public services such
as the NHS and welfare and housing benefit that many LGBT people
depend upon.
