An Open Letter to Nigel Farage MP From Swindon’s Old Catholic Apostolic Church on LGBTQ+ Rights and Future Expectations

Dear Mr. Farage,

As members of the Old Catholic Apostolic Church Parish of Swindon, we feel a strong need to speak directly to you about your views and those of your party on LGBTQ+ rights. In today's world, where inclusivity and acceptance are essential, it is vital to discuss how your political stance affects our community and society as a whole.

The LGBTQ+ community has faced considerable challenges over the years. While progress has been made, such as the increase in support for LGBTQ+ issues—evident in 70% of UK adults surveyed in 2020 expressing support for same-sex marriage—there is still much to accomplish. We are deeply concerned about the potential implications for LGBTQ+ rights should your party gain more influence in the upcoming elections.

Understanding the Current Landscape

The landscape of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK has changed significantly over the last few decades. For example, the decriminalization of homosexuality in 1967 established a legal foundation for equal rights. The legalization of same-sex marriage in 2014 marked another milestone. Recent surveys show that approximately 80% of people in the UK believe that LGBTQ+ individuals should have the same rights as heterosexual individuals. However, these hard-won achievements are not guaranteed, especially given the current political climate and the views expressed by political figures across the spectrum.

As a church community, we strive to create an environment of love, acceptance, and understanding. We firmly believe that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. With this commitment, we reach out to you, Mr. Farage, to communicate our concerns and expectations.

Expectations for the Future

As we look toward the approaching election, we have specific expectations of your party concerning LGBTQ+ rights. We would like to see clear commitments to:

1. Support for Anti-Discrimination Laws: We call on your party to advocate for strong anti-discrimination laws that ensure protection for LGBTQ+ individuals in employment, housing, and healthcare. Current laws can be improved; for instance, studies show that 40% of LGBTQ+ workers in the UK have experienced discrimination at work.

   
   

2. Promotion of Inclusivity in Education: Education greatly influences societal attitudes. We hope your party will support educational curricula that teach respect and understanding for all—regardless of sexual orientation—ensuring that schools are safe and supportive environments for all students.

   
   

3. Protection of LGBTQ+ Youth: Young people identifying as LGBTQ+ face unique challenges, including high rates of bullying and mental illness. According to Stonewall, around 45% of LGBTQ+ youth have reported feeling unsafe at school. We urge your party to prioritize policies that protect and support these vulnerable youths.

   
   

4. Engagement with LGBTQ+ Communities: Meaningful dialogue with LGBTQ+ communities is essential for understanding their needs. We hope to see your party actively engage in discussions with these groups to promote a more inclusive society.

   
   

5. Commitment to Equality: We expect your party to uphold the principles of equality and justice for all. This means actively fighting against all forms of discrimination and advocating for equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals.

   
   

The Role of Faith in Advocacy

As a faith community, our values guide our actions. Love, compassion, and acceptance lie at the core of our beliefs. We have a responsibility to stand up for those who are marginalized and advocate for justice.

In this light, we encourage you to reflect on how your words and actions impact the LGBTQ+ community. True leadership involves listening to the concerns of all citizens and working towards a society where everyone can live authentically without fear.

A Call for Dialogue

We appreciate that political discussions can be heated and that differing opinions are a part of democracy. However, constructive conversation is key to achieving progress. We invite you to engage with our community and others to have open discussions about these important issues.

Our aim is not to vilify you or your party. Instead, we want to foster understanding and collaboration. By engaging in meaningful dialogue, we can work together toward a society that values diversity and promotes equality for everyone.

Final Thoughts

We hope this letter serves as a prompt for reflection and dialogue. The upcoming election is an opportunity for all political leaders, including you, to showcase a commitment to inclusivity and equality.

At the Old Catholic Apostolic Church Parish of Swindon, we are ready to engage in conversations that promote understanding and acceptance. We believe that by coming together, we can create a future where every individual is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

We eagerly await your response and hope to see a positive shift in your party's approach to LGBTQ+ rights soon.

Sincerely,

The Old Catholic Apostolic Church Parish of Swindon