Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/667/11901
From The Socialist newspaper, 20 April 2011
Gay protest and discrimination
On 15 April, the John Snow pub in London's Soho had angry protests outside its doors after two gay men, James Bull and Jonathan Williams, were ejected for kissing.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people should be safe to express affection in the same way as everyone else, and Soho is known as one of London's "gay villages".
400-500 people blocked the streets around the pub, which closed for the evening, losing its takings. The pub management and brewery, Samuel Smiths, have not so far apologised and further action may be in order.
Reported homophobic attacks in Westminster, including Soho, increased by 21% in the year to the end of February 2011. Previous recessions and cuts led to increased prejudice and hate crimes because social bonds weakened and sections of society looked for scapegoats.
LGBT people fear this is happening again.
The LGBT movement needs to stand up to discrimination and to cuts. This protest shows that people are willing to fight.
The trade unions must take up these issues, both to draw LGBT people into activism, and to give a political alternative to the pro-cuts parties.
Greg Randall
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In The Socialist 20 April 2011:
Anti-cuts campaigning
How can the Con-Dem coalition be most effectively punished?
Kick big business out of health care
Fighting anti-cuts programme needed in Scottish elections
Coventry: support for socialists increases
Enthusiasm for ten TUSC candidates across Kent
Vote Against Cuts alliance launched in Leicester
"Lambeth council know the cost of everything and the value of nothing"
Socialist Students
International socialist news and analysis
Sarkozy instigates ban on veil to boost his political ratings
Libya: Is humanitarian aid providing mission creep for western powers?
War - what is it good for? Arms sales!
Socialist Party workplace news
"Staggering scale" of London Ambulance service cuts
Enthusiastic support for PCS call centres strike
Socialist Party features
Anniversary: Black Friday 15 April 1921
The Alternative Vote referendum - 5 May
Socialist Party news and analysis
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Newcastle: Socialists won't be intimidated by racists
Gay protest and discrimination
Angry protest at death of Smiley Culture
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