The Scottish Parliament yesterday overwhelmingly backed a new law giving same-sex couples the legal right to adopt children. The Adoption and Children (Scotland) Bill is designed to reverse the decline in numbers offering to adopt and drew huge cross-party support. An amendment from SNP member Roseanna Cunningham to exempt same-sex couples was defeated by 98 votes to 11.
Responding to the statistics released today by the ONS about civil partnerships, Liberal Democrat Equalities Spokesperson, Lorely Burt MP said: "When the Archers feature a gay wedding we know that civil partnerships have become a permanent feature of British Life."
After a threat of legal action and plans for a protest march, Bromley council has announced it will "review its position" in regards to the provision of civil ceremonies for gay couples.
Commenting on the annual report by the Independent Advisory Group on Sexual Health and HIV, which recommended that the Government ringfence sexual health cash to ensure it reaches frontline services, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Sandra Gidley MP said: "This report further dispels the Government myth that NHS deficits and endless structural reform are not affecting the healthcare people receive.
The Lib Dem spokesperson on LGBT equality has condemned for scrapping tens of thousands of pounds in funding for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month. Liberal Democrat Women and Equality Spokesperson Lorely Burt MP has joined the event's organisers in criticising the decision by the Department for Education and Skills.
Tory MP Philip Davies has lashed out at new guidelines to tackle homophobic bullying and hate crime both in schools and in wider society. He told the Sun today that, "It's barmy, politically correct nonsense to brainwash kids."