A new study on the Lib Dem's stances on trans issues concludes that the Liberal Democrats are valuable allies for trans people. The article for Pink News states that the Tories "see trans issues as mostly medical and disregard the societal problems trans people face."

The Liberal Democrats recently launched their LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Manifesto for the upcoming General Election, which includes a pledge to broaden the legal definition of transgender as a self-identity rather than a medical condition. According to the study, Labour's equality minister accepted that the debate should be in these terms. Labour did not pick up Lynne Featherstone's Lib Dem amendments to the Equality Act which would have included this change of definition.

A spokesman for the Lib Dems said:
"The Liberal Democrats are promoting trans equality as a key part of our proud record on LGBT equality. Our Equality Act policy above is one of three key commitments used on our LGBT campaign postcards to demonstrate our record of action, and our Always Been There micro-site details the Lib Dems' longstanding commitment to trans people."

For more information about the Liberal Democrats view:
www.brighton-hovelibdems.org.uk