Farron and Featherstone lead Lib Dem push for global same-sex marriage rights

The Independent reports a welcome push by Tim Farron and Lynne Featherstone:

British embassies around the world would be given the power to perform same-sex marriages – even if one partner was not a British citizen, under proposals to be included in the Liberal Democrat manifesto…

In an article for Independent Voices, the party’s Foreign Affairs Spokesman, Tim Farron, and Home Office Minister, Lynne Featherstone, said it was important that LGBT rights were not just “on paper”.

“LGBT rights are human rights: we do something about it,” they wrote. “This commitment is the culmination of the work that so many in our party have already been part of in Government.

“In the months and years ahead, we must continue to use our influence to end the persecution and extend the freedom of LGBT citizens, both here and abroad.”

The Lib Dems admitted that the policy of using the Foreign Office could have undesirable consequences, but said that could be offset by supporting LGBT-rights movements around the world.

“We will use our aid and diplomatic networks to work with and link up local campaigners and global voices… engaging with the private sector and the World Bank to make the case for LGBT equality as a force for economic as well as social good.”

It is good to see Tim Farron teaming up with Lynne Featherstone on this, given the controversy over his votes on same-sex marriage in the UK.