Election candidates asked to pledge LGBTQ+ support

Electoral candidates in Guernsey can get a "rainbow mark" to use on election materials if they show their support to the LGBTQ+ community, a charity has said.

Liberate Rainbow Alliance said candidates have been invited to pledge support to "five asks" to identify themselves as "committed to equality, inclusion, and fairness".

Requests from the charity include fair laws and equal rights, inclusive education and increased support and representation.

Ellie Jones, Liberate CEO, said people from all over Guernsey's community wanted a way to know which candidates would represent their views.

They said: "The LGBTQ+ community make up around 10% of the population, with this rising to between 19%-25% amongst younger people in Guernsey, as shown in the two most recent Children and Young People Surveys.

"We were asked to help people make informed decisions when voting, and together we came up with these five asks."

The charity said its first request "nothing about us without us", was a commitment to "not creating or voting on laws or policies that directly affect the LGBTQ+ community without first engaging with us".

Liberate said "we are so proud of Guernsey's progress", but added LGBTQ+ islanders and families faced unfair treatment and asked for fair laws and equal rights.

It said the third ask was for "fair and inclusive education", with the charity asking for candidates to support stronger anti-bullying rules, provide training for teachers, and respect for trans+ children and their families.

In the fourth request to candidates, Liberate said: "We would like you to support the fantastic progress already made by Health and Social Care (HSC) in LGBTQ+ inclusive healthcare.

"This ask includes ensuring sexual health services continue to be free, safe and accessible, continue ongoing training for healthcare staff on respectful language and inclusive care, and developing improved pathways for trans+ healthcare."

The charity also said it wanted LGBTQ+ people to "feel seen, heard, and valued in Guernsey's political and public life".

"Candidates are asked to be visible and vocal allies, to invite LGBTQ+ consultation in decisions, and support Channel Islands Pride which brought £1.25m to the island's economy in 2024," it added.

"We are grateful to any candidates who decide to publicly support the Asks and hope it helps islanders to make informed voting decisions."

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