Member News
The prime minister has welcomed the formation of a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender support network in Parliament.
Staff have created the group, called ParliOut, in line with the best practice of other leading employers.
The network will provide a forum for providing mutual support and discussing issues.
A mentoring programme will also be developed in the New Year.
Mr Speaker will be President of the LGBT network.
David Cameron has welcomed its formation.
"When I launched Working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality at 10 Downing Street soon after the election, I made clear the government's commitments to tackling LGB and T discrimination in the workplace, and improving participation in civil society," the prime minsiter said.
"Britain has seen rapid progress towards LGB and T equality over recent years
"It is important that this progress is also reflected in Parliament, where we now have more openly 'out' gay and lesbian MPs than ever before.
"This is only right.
"If Parliament is to remain relevant to the wider public, it is vital that any barriers preventing LGB and T people from becoming MPs, or Parliamentary staff, are dismantled.
"ParliOut is a fantastic and welcome opportunity to help achieve this."
The network hopes to attract members of both House and staff and will be formally launched on 20 December.
It will be advised by a cross-party board, including Chris Bryant MP, Stephen Gilbert MP and Margot James MP.
Speaker Bercow said:
"Parliament as a workplace should set an example in good practice when it comes to equality and diversity.
"Therefore I am delighted to be able to welcome the creation of the first LGBT network group - the first of the equality network groups to be set up on the Parliamentary Estate.
"This is another positive step towards breaking down barriers in the workplace."
Sign up to the distribution list for information on ParliOut's activities by emailing LGBT@parliament.uk
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.