In response to the National LGBT survey, the government has issued LGBT Action Plan 2018: Improving the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people; this outlines its firm commitments “to tackle some of the biggest issues facing LGBT people”. The Press Release is reproduced below.
Details
In July 2017, the Government launched a national survey of LGBT people. The survey was open to anyone who identified as having a minority sexual orientation, gender identity or had variations in sex characteristics. It asked questions about people’s experiences of living in the UK and in accessing public services. We asked questions about education, healthcare, personal safety and employment.
The survey received more than 108,000 responses, making it the largest national survey of its kind anywhere in the world. This response was unprecedented, and it was a significant undertaking to analyse the results. We have now published the results from the national LGBT survey in the form of a research report and a summary report, and we hope that the findings will be a valuable resource, not only for government, but also for everyone working to support LGBT people.
The Government is committed to taking bold action on the results of the survey. This ‘LGBT Action Plan’ explains how we will advance the rights of LGBT people both at home and abroad, and improve the way that public services work for them. Our vision is for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics, to be able to live safe, happy and healthy lives where they can be themselves without fear of discrimination.
Comment
The government initiative was welcomed by the Church of England, who in the Press Release Government pledge to eradicate conversion therapy stated:
Following the publication of the Government’s LGBT Action Plan, a spokesperson for the Church of England said:
“We warmly welcome the Government commitment to eradicate gay conversion therapy in this country.
“As a motion endorsed overwhelmingly by the Church of England’s General Synod last summer concludes, the practice is unethical, potentially harmful and has no place in the modern world.
“Since then the Church of England has pressed the Government to consider outlawing the practice and the Second Church Estates Commissioner Dame Caroline Spelman has held a number of meetings with ministers to that end.
“As we await the detail of any proposals, we also welcome the recognition that any steps taken should not have the unintended consequence of preventing people seeking spiritual support from their faith leader in the exploration of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
03/07/2018
Thinking Anglicans notes that the General Synod motion mentioned was the subject of a church press release at the time. The detailed tally of the voting on this motion last July can be found here.