Ahead of Trans Pride Brighton & Hove tomorrow, Brighton and Hove Green Party have called for Conservative leadership candidates to back a trans-inclusive conversion therapy ban
Brighton and Hove Green Party have today called for Conservative leadership candidates to take action on trans conversion therapy, as Trans Pride Brighton & Hove returns to an in-person event on Saturday 16th July 2022.
At a time when the Conservative Party leadership contest is seeing candidates competing on a transphobic platform, Greens will be taking part of the parade which is the largest protest for trans liberation in Europe.
Since last year Greens have continued to push for trans rights, better access to trans healthcare and better inclusion in schools. This includes a letter by Green councillors Hannah Clare, Chair of Children, Young People & Skills Committee, and Steph Powell, Lead member for Equalities, to the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which unearthed plans from the NHS to open a gender identity clinic in Sussex. The clinic will improve access for residents as the current London clinic has wait times of around five years for over 10,000 referrals.
Cllr Phélim Mac Cafferty, Leader of the Council said:
“Earlier this year the Conservative Government broke its promise on banning conversion therapy for everyone–excluding trans people from the plans. The Conservative party seems determined to stoke discrimination and hatred and we must find effective ways to continue to show our solidarity with the Trans community to overcome this bigotry.
We are also reminded that members of our community still do not even have that most basic of rights–control over our own bodies. We are clear that we will keep pushing for a complete ban on conversion therapy for our trans community too. Our commitment to the trans community is clear; whatever ‘single sex guidance’ the Equality and Human Rights Commission has published, this will not change our clear and firm commitment to inclusive services across the city.”
Cllr Steph Powell, Lead member for Equalities said:
“It is wonderful news that Trans Pride can go ahead in person this year bringing together trans and non-binary people, as well as allies, in both a celebration of the community but also a reminder that there’s more work to do.
“We’ve been fighting against discrimination through education and working with the NHS to review trans healthcare and improve access. But there’s still more to do. Our trans and non-binary siblings need all our help to further reduce discrimination, eradicate violence and enshrine their rights in law. Today is a day of celebration, let it be a year of progress.”