BIRMINGHAM, May 17, 2008  –  The Midlands TUC will mark International Day Against Homophobia today in Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, to commemorate the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people who have been killed by regimes throughout the world.

There are 77 countries in the world today where it is a criminal offence to be gay.  In seven countries women, men and children are punished for their sexuality with death sentences.

“While unions have campaigned for equal rights for LGBT people with much success in the UK, around the world the situation is far worse,” Midlands TUC regional secretary Roger McKenzie said last night.

“In many countries LGBT people face harassment, intimidation, violence, ostracism, hate crimes and even death, simply because of their sexuality.”

Yvonne Washbourne, chair of the Midlands TUC Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Network added: “International Day Against Homophobia is an opportunity for unions to highlight the suffering of LGBT people all around the world, and demand that the way they are treated is improved – both in the workplace and in the wider community.”

The TUC event, which starts at 3pm, will include songs and speakers and also provide a time for quiet contemplation.

In London, Green Euro MP Jean Lambert will be calling for progress on LGBT rights as she pledges her support for the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO).

She has called on the European Commission to implement comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation after it indicated that it may scale-back its proposals to only cover disability.

“While the UK has made significant progress in creating equality before the law, many European citizens still suffer homophobic attacks, abuse and mistreatment,” Ms. Lambert said yesterday.

“It is essential that all European governments now implement legislation to protect people from discrimination because of their sexuality.

“IDAHO gives us all the opportunity to celebrate diversity.  The European Union should now ensure that all LGBT individuals can live free from oppression.”

For the second year running in Liverpool, Merseyside Police is flying the flag in support of IDAHO.

The Force is fully committed to tackling hate crime in all its forms and is visibly supporting IDAHO, which aims to provoke action to end homophobia, by flying our rainbow flag at police headquarters.   The building, too, will be lit up with lights in rainbow colours, a well-known symbol of gay and lesbian pride, sending out a clear message that hate crime will not be tolerated.

This year Merseyside Police is joined in action by partners in Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Altcourse prison, who will also be raising their flags to show support for the international day of action.

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Posted: 17 May 2008 at 00:00 (UK time)