 Britain’s
leading LGBT publications and sites have collaborated to encourage their
readers to take part in the government’s consultation on same-sex civil marriage.
The editors have signed a joint statement, which is released today (15 May),
marking one month until the consultation ends in the middle of June. The
statement reads as follows:
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:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/consultations/equal-civil-marriage/
Signatories:
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
Darren Scott, GT (Gay Times)
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