Menu
16/12/2009
Brown's Gay Rights Push
Gordon Brown has conceded it could take "many years" for UK gay civil partnerships to be recognised in some parts of Europe.
Speaking to gay lifestyle magazine Attitude, Mr Brown cited civil partnerships as Labour's crowning achievement.
He said the increased liberties for homosexuals "showed our country is far more tolerant than people thought".
Gay rights campaigners have continued to push for recognition of civil partnership status across the continent.
The legal implications affect issues such as immigration and pensions.
Pushing equal rights across the rest of Europe is now one of the Prime Minister's goals.
"I'm fighting to get all the countries in Europe to recognise civil partnerships carried out in Britain," he said.
"We want countries where that hasn't been the case - especially in Eastern Europe - to recognise them. We're negotiating agreements with France and then with Spain."
He told Attitude journalist Johann Hari it is possible to go further than this.
"If we could show Eastern Europe as well as Western Europe, that this respect for gay people is due, that would be really important.
"Of course it will be tough, and will take many years, but that has never ever been a good reason not to fight."
The Prime Minister, who indicated he has always given "strong support" to gay rights issues, defended his decision not to cut UK aid to Uganda.
Ugandan authorities have moved to make homosexuality a criminal offence punishable by death.
Mr Brown said aid to the African region saves lives, but stressed he regularly challenges the Ugandan government on the matter.
(PR/KMcA)
Speaking to gay lifestyle magazine Attitude, Mr Brown cited civil partnerships as Labour's crowning achievement.
He said the increased liberties for homosexuals "showed our country is far more tolerant than people thought".
Gay rights campaigners have continued to push for recognition of civil partnership status across the continent.
The legal implications affect issues such as immigration and pensions.
Pushing equal rights across the rest of Europe is now one of the Prime Minister's goals.
"I'm fighting to get all the countries in Europe to recognise civil partnerships carried out in Britain," he said.
"We want countries where that hasn't been the case - especially in Eastern Europe - to recognise them. We're negotiating agreements with France and then with Spain."
He told Attitude journalist Johann Hari it is possible to go further than this.
"If we could show Eastern Europe as well as Western Europe, that this respect for gay people is due, that would be really important.
"Of course it will be tough, and will take many years, but that has never ever been a good reason not to fight."
The Prime Minister, who indicated he has always given "strong support" to gay rights issues, defended his decision not to cut UK aid to Uganda.
Ugandan authorities have moved to make homosexuality a criminal offence punishable by death.
Mr Brown said aid to the African region saves lives, but stressed he regularly challenges the Ugandan government on the matter.
(PR/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 June 2012
Church Of England Warns Gay Marriage Threatens Institution
The Church of England has warned that government proposals for gay marriage would dilute an institution "vastly" important to a healthy society. It has also described the proposed legislation as "shallow", adding that government plans to open marriage to gay couples by 2015 could undermine its status as the state church.
Church Of England Warns Gay Marriage Threatens Institution
The Church of England has warned that government proposals for gay marriage would dilute an institution "vastly" important to a healthy society. It has also described the proposed legislation as "shallow", adding that government plans to open marriage to gay couples by 2015 could undermine its status as the state church.
31 March 2004
Gay couples to gain legal recognition through civil partnerships
Same-sex couples will gain formal legal recognition of their relationships by entering into a civil partnership, under proposals outlined to Parliament today.
Gay couples to gain legal recognition through civil partnerships
Same-sex couples will gain formal legal recognition of their relationships by entering into a civil partnership, under proposals outlined to Parliament today.
21 February 2005
Navy signs up to gay rights scheme
The Royal Navy has signed up to a scheme promoting gay rights, it was announced today. The Navy is the first section of the armed forces to sign up to the Diversity Champions Programme, organised by equal rights charity, Stonewall.
Navy signs up to gay rights scheme
The Royal Navy has signed up to a scheme promoting gay rights, it was announced today. The Navy is the first section of the armed forces to sign up to the Diversity Champions Programme, organised by equal rights charity, Stonewall.
05 December 2005
‘Gay marriage’ becomes legal
Around a thousand gay couples are expected to register for the new civil partnerships, which became law today. The Civil Partnership Act allows gay couples to register their intent to form a civil partnership.
‘Gay marriage’ becomes legal
Around a thousand gay couples are expected to register for the new civil partnerships, which became law today. The Civil Partnership Act allows gay couples to register their intent to form a civil partnership.
07 December 2012
Cameron Wants Gay Marriage In Churches
David Cameron wants churches in England and Wales to be allowed to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies. The Prime Minister said he did not want gay people to be "excluded from a great institution", but would not force religious groups to carry out the ceremonies. In the ongoing debate ministers are expected to response to a consultation next week.
Cameron Wants Gay Marriage In Churches
David Cameron wants churches in England and Wales to be allowed to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies. The Prime Minister said he did not want gay people to be "excluded from a great institution", but would not force religious groups to carry out the ceremonies. In the ongoing debate ministers are expected to response to a consultation next week.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
