Marriage and the family

Tony Blair did Stonewall's
bidding says Ian McKellen

Friday, 18 April 2008

Actor and homosexual campaigner Sir Ian McKellen has revealed the level of influence 'gay rights' group Stonewall exerted on Tony Blair's policies while he was Prime Minister.

Speaking at Stonewall's annual 'Equality Dinner' fundraiser, Sir Ian recalled meeting Tony Blair on behalf of Stonewall three months before his election as Prime Minister.

"I reeled off Stonewall's demands, and he nodded, wrote them down and put a tick by them all. Then he said we will do all that," he said.

Also at the 'Equality Dinner', a prize of "tea with Tony Blair" was successfully auctioned for £20,000 to an undisclosed bidder.

A flood of 'gay rights' legislation was introduced during Mr Blair's time in Downing Street.

Age of consent

The age of consent for homosexual acts was reduced from 18 to 16 in January 2001. The Government invoked the Parliament Acts to bypass opposition in the House of Lords.

Supporters claimed this would improve sexual health provision for young gay men. But in every year since the age of homosexual consent was lowered, the number of new HIV diagnoses among 16-24 year olds has been significantly higher than before the law was changed.

Section 28

In 2003, the Government succeeded in abolishing Section 28 in England and Wales. This part of the 1988 Local Government Act prevented local authorities spending public money on the promotion of homosexuality in schools or elsewhere.

Controversy over the promotion of homosexuality in schools has been increasing since the removal of Section 28. Just this month storybooks about homosexual relationships were withdrawn from primary schools in Bristol after protests from parents.

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