New Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has a mixed record when it comes to LGBTQ+ issues.
The former Chief Secretary to the Treasury has made promises to the LGBTQ+ community previously but some critics think that more often than not his actions don’t align with his words.
While Mr Sunak has acknowledged there are “many areas we need to address to improve the lives of LGBT+ people”, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer under Boris Johnson has been less clear on his stance on issues that impact the trans community.
READ MORE: Son's response to 'no Christmas presents' breaks mum's heart
Here is where the new PM Rishi Sunak stands on LGBTQ+ issues:
Having only become the MP for Richmond in 2015, Mr Sunak wasn’t able to vote on same-sex marriage in England and Wales but was however absent for votes on the issue in Northern Ireland in 2019. In a statement to the LGBT+ Conservatives, he said: “I’m proud of the fact it was the Conservative Party that led the way and delivered marriage equality for LGBT+ people. I want to carry that torch forward and address the issues you face in day-to-day life."
During the leadership contest which saw Liz Truss triumph as PM, Mr Sunak was reported to be launching a “manifesto for women’s rights” and wanted to ban trans women from competing in sporting teams that align with their gender identity. He previously stated trans people deserve “respect” but also emphasised that he sees biology as “important” and “fundamental” in the context of toilets and sports.
Mr Sunak put out a statement on his social media on Sunday, October 23, which highlighted how he had a “clear plan to fix the biggest problems we face” and how he would deliver on the promises made in the 2019 manifesto. The only reference to the LGBTQ+ community in said manifesto reads: “We will vigorously combat harassment and violence against all religious groups, and against LGBT people.”
There are a number of issues the LGBTQ+ community face which Mr Sunak has been vocal about. This includes the importance of ending HIV transmission by 2030. On World AIDS Day 2020, Mr Sunak shared a clip of himself speaking in the House of Commons. He can be heard saying: "Before I start, I know members from around this house will join me in commemorating World AIDs Day and the many organisations who make this day happen. As we remember those we have lost to HIV and AIDS, we also remind ourselves of the need for further action. I am proud that this Conservative government's policy is to end new HIV transmissions by 2030, a commitment reaffirmed today at the HIV commission launch."
Mr Sunak has also spoken out about the need to deal with hate crimes. He previously told the LGBT+ Conservatives he doesn't "want anybody in Britain to have to hide who they are or who they love out of fear". He added: "Prejudice against trans people is wrong. The Conservative Party is an open, welcoming family to everybody across society, no matter who they are and irrespective of their background.” Closing his statement, Mr Sunak said LGBTQ+ members of the Conservative Party should vote for him because he would work “day and night to make Britain the kindest, safest and most vibrant place in the world to be LGBT+”.
Receive our weekly LGBTQIA+ newsletter by signing up here .
READ NEXT:
- Schoolboy, 15, who died at Liverpool ONE restaurant named
- IKEA to open new location on Merseyside in UK first
- Scrambler bike rider suffers serious injuries after crashing into phone box
- ITV pulls This Morning from air for breaking announcement
- Man grabs rail staff by throat after trying to travel without train ticket
