A message from Felicity following her visit to the Norwegian Embassy's Pride Reception.
I was delighted to join Deputy Head of Mission Øyvind Hernes, together with the Embassies of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, the Representation of the Faroe Islands and the Finnish Institute today to celebrate LGBT+ Pride Month. This follow's last year's successful event at the Finnish Embassy.
Nobody should face persecution or discrimination because of who they are or who they love, and it is deeply regrettable that LGBT+ persecution continues to occur, and be accepted, in many countries around the world. LGBT rights are fundamental human rights.
Befitting this fact, the UK is committed to working with international and domestic partners to promote and protect LGBT+ rights, and is a leading champion of this cause. Ministers and officials work through multilateral organisations – such as the UN, Council of Europe and the Commonwealth – to address discriminatory laws and directly challenge governments wherein discriminatory laws persist at the highest levels.
I was delighted to hear that Norway will join the UK Government in banning so-called "conversion therapy" practices for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
I am also proud that Conservatives have led the way in this area, extending marriage to Same-Sex couples from across our United Kingdom. It was a pleasure to visit the LGBT+ Conservatives at their Conference stand last year.
There is of course more work to be done, and I will continue to actively show my support to the LGBT+ community. Happy Pride!
