New international LGBT human rights organisation launches

By Paul Canning

A new international LGBT human rights body based in the UK will launch Tuesday 13 September.

The Kaleidoscope International Diversity Trust has been endorsed by all three major British party political leaders and its Honorary President is the Speaker of the British House of Commons, John Bercow MP.

In his endorsement the British Prime Minister David Cameron said:

“Our country has made real progress on LGB and T equality and, without forgetting how far we've still got to go domestically, it is right that we should now increasingly turn our attention towards bringing about change abroad."

"In some countries, it's simply appalling how people can be treated - how their rights are trampled on and the prejudices, and even violence, they suffer. So I want Britain to be a global beacon for reform. That's why I am delighted to send my best wishes to Kaleidoscope, and wish them well in their work " 

"Be in no doubt, this is a hugely important issue to this Government. Last March, we published an update on our plan on LGB and T issues. It included fourteen areas where we want to act internationally, covering issues like asylum and protecting the rights of British citizens living, working or travelling abroad. We look forward to the contribution that Kaleidoscope will make to the debate on and progress towards equality worldwide.”

At an event for LGBT Pride Month in June Cameron picked on the UK's lobbying of African government's on LGBT human rights as an issue to showcase his government's LGBT credentials.

He specifically singled out Malawi for mention in his remarks, delivered to a Downing Street reception to which many of Britain's gay and lesbian great and the good were invited.

He claimed that the British coalition government's commitment to not cut its foreign aid budget meant it carried "moral authority" when speaking to global south countries about "what we expect from them".

"I’m very proud of the fact we [put] huge pressure on the leader of Malawi about an issue in that country but I’m convinced we can do more. We have got the ability to speak to African leaders, African governments, about this issue that I know concerns everyone here tonight. And it concerns me," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, Nick Clegg, said that Kaleidoscope has a "innovative and unique approach".

"The vision this organisation is articulating - for a world where everyone can express their secuality without fear of prejudice - is one all liberals stand behind."

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