Brighton & Hove Greens launch LGBT city council manifesto
LGBT Green Party activists celebrate record of achievements for LGBT community
Caroline Lucas MP' Cllr Bill Randall and LGBT candidates addressed key policy areas.
Phelim Mac Cafferty' National Chair of LGBT (lesbian' gay' bi' trans) Greens said: "Green MP Caroline Lucas' the Convenor of the Brighton and Hove's Green Councillors Bill Randall and LGBT candidates contesting the council elections on behalf of the Green Party outlined the work they will conduct to fight for the LGBT community.
"There are four core areas - community' safety' health and education- which cover the cornerstones of our LGBT local election manifesto - they are:
* Work with Sussex Police and community liaison officers to target incitement of hatred on grounds of sexuality and gender identity
* Financially and practically support LGBT community/ voluntary groups' particularly those supporting the vulnerable
* Defend initiatives which are helping our city tackle HIV and Aids
* Ensure that the special needs and profile of Brighton and Hove are recognised by those commissioning HIV and Aids work.
* Ensure that all voices within the community are represented in decision-making to ensure a long-term and sustainable future for Pride and the St James St party
* Fight proposals for further academy and 'free' schools as their competitive ethos undermines the push to free our schools from the scourge of prejudice
* Defend adult social care and commit to increased supported housing for those in vulnerable situations
"It is now two years since the transphobic murder of Andrea Waddell and in that time there has been an increase in the prejudice that LGBT people face in our city. A devastating 42% increase in homophobic incidents between April and November in 2010 is a frightening indication of how emboldened homophobes still are."
"But this is also why Greens commit to working with Sussex Police and community liaison officers to target incitement of hatred on grounds of sexuality and gender identity. Conservative and Liberal Democrat Government Ministry of Justice cuts and the 550 jobs axed at Sussex Police will affect front-line services and the safety of our community. They are an insult to the memory of Andrea Waddell.
"Given how damaging cuts will be for the LGBT community in our city' the Green Party has been proud to lead the opposition to the Conservative-Liberal Democrat government cuts to Brighton and Hove's public services. Greens have pressured the Conservative Councillors into preserving the ring-fence for the main HIV/ Aids grant for 2011/12.
"Nevertheless' we have to remain vigilant and keep up the work to help those with HIV. Greens will go into the elections as the only party which will continue to defend initiatives which are helping our city tackle HIV and Aids and ensure that the special needs of our city are recognised by those commissioning HIV and Aids work.
Phelim concluded' "The Green Party cares passionately about the quality of life for the LGBT communities in our city and has a track record on LGBT rights which can't be challenged. A Green vote on 5thMay will be a positive vote for the future of the LGBT community.
"Help us to continue the fight for fairness for our community. Vote Green on May 5th"
Notes
For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.
The Green Party's LGBT candidates are:
Standing in Queen Park's Ward:
Geoffrey Bowden is a journalist and community activist living in Kemptown who runs a Brighton-based health and social care communications company.
has 15 years' professional experience in retail management' recruitment' and career development. She works for a youth careers service in Brighton' assisting vulnerable 16 -19 olds with their career and work choices.
Standing in Brunswick and Adelaide Ward:
Phelim Mac Cafferty is the Green Party national spokesman on LGBT (lesbian' gay' bisexual and trans) rights; in this role he collaborates regularly with human rights campaigners across the world and has helped pioneer campaigns against bigotry in sport.
Standing in Preston Park Ward:
Mike Jones has worked for the NHS since 1992' he is a health adviser and counsellor at the Royal Sussex County Hospital . Before joining the health service he was an advocate and support worker for homeless people and those suffering from mental illness.
Other LGBT candidates include
Anthea Ballam' Central Hove ward; Dave Walsh' North Portslade ward; Stephen Watson' South Portslade ward; Martin Ashby' Hangleton and Knoll ward; Stuart Hay' Rottingdean Coastal ward.
Full LGBT Manifesto below:
COMMUNITY
Ensure that all voices within the community are represented in decision-making to ensure a long-term and sustainable future for Pride and the St James St party' which we believe is the most appropriate location currently
* Raise the profile of the needs of older and younger LGBT people and those with families' through working with relevant community groups to advance their aims. Actively promote fostering and adoption within underrepresented communities. This would also benefit the whole LGBT community' through developing community belief in our future.
* Defend adult social care and housing and outline clear reporting pathways and support mechanisms. Ensure all social housing providers have inclusive and robust LGBT harassment policies.
* Commit to increased supported housing for those in vulnerable situations "" whether homeless' poorly-housed or suffering harassment or domestic violence.
SAFETY
* Target the prevalence of hate crimes through joint working with all local agencies.
* Work with Sussex Police and the LGBT community liaison officers to target incitement of hatred on grounds of sexuality and gender identity
* While increased reporting indicates engagement with the community' work to reduce hate crime trends.
* Prioritise the protection of council staff from homophobic and transphobic bullying and harassment.
HEALTH
* Financially and practically support LGBT community and voluntary sector groups' particularly those supporting vulnerable members of our community.
* Defend initiatives which are helping our city tackle HIV and Aids.
* Ensure that the special needs and profile of Brighton and Hove are recognised by those commissioning HIV and Aids work.
* Ensure the effective targeting of social care' housing and health services "" including HIV/Aids support and mental health services -to all members of the LGBT community who need it.
EDUCATION
* Fight proposals for further academy and 'free' schools as their competitive ethos and the special treatment afforded to them can promote homophobia and transphobia on the grounds of religion and undermines the push to free our schools from the scourge of prejudice.
* Send all education workers guidance on their responsibilities to ensure LGBT pupils are protected from bullying including robust policies to monitor homophobic and transphobic bullying
* Provide head teachers and governors with training on how to create safe and inclusive environments for LGBT staff and students.
* Financially and practically commit to defending anti-bullying initiatives in our schools.
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