While other European countries are rapidly repealing their anti-gay laws, there are no signs of any reform in Gibraltar". "Discrimination against lesbians and gay men in Gibraltar is some of the worst in Europe. "Britain introduced this discriminatory legislation, but it is Gibraltar’s responsibility to repeal it". "He was shocked that the buggery law dates back to the reign of King Henry VIII, and that the gross indecency law originates from the time of Oscar Wilde". "Mr Holliday expressed surprise when I explained that the homophobic laws imposed on Gibraltar by Britain during the colonial era were still on the statute book", said Mr Tatchell. "If Gibraltar got rid of its homophobic laws, gay people would find the place a much more attractive destination". They take more holidays and spend more per capita on travel." Because most don’t have children, they have higher than average disposable incomes. Compared to the general population, gay people tend to be better educated and better paid. "I told Mr Holliday that it is foolish to alienate lesbian and gay tourists. The government’s policy is losing Gibraltar tourism income". They go instead to destinations where there is a more liberal-minded and welcoming attitude. Many tourists are put off by Gibraltar’s intolerant laws. "The place has a poor reputation on gay issues. "Gibraltar’s refusal to support legal equality for lesbians and gay men is not only a violation of human rights, it is also bad for business", Mr Tatchell told the Tourism Minister.
Peter Tatchell of the London-based gay rights group OutRage! said he had a "friendly and constructive" conversation with the Mr Holliday at the Gibraltar exhibition stand, and had urged the Minister to use his influence to ensure "the swift repeal of Gibraltar’s discriminatory anti-gay laws".
The Gibraltar Tourism Minister, Joe Holliday, was tackled over Gibraltar’s lack of progress on ending anti-gay discrimination when he launched Gibraltar’s new tourism initiative – The New Face of Gibraltar – at the World Travel Market at the Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre in London today. Gibraltar Tourism Minister Quizzed on Gay Reform: Joe Holliday probed at London launch of Gibraltar’s new tourism drive. (in Spanish) 6/04ģ Gibraltar Gay Rights–Press Release: New Constitution Gravely Deficient 11/04Ĥ Gay Rights organization not satisfied with Equal Opportunities Ordinance 2/05ĥ Reform not possible without rights progress 2/05Ħ Gibraltar gay rights record criticised 1/07ħ Gibraltar gays take age of consent fight to Europe 1/08Ĩ Gibraltar court to hear lesbian discrimination case 5/08ĩ Lesbian couple to appeal in the UK over Gibraltar’s housing policy 5/09ġ0 Gibraltar rejects age of consent equality 6/09ġ1 Gibraltar court to rule on gay age of consent 3/10ġ2 UK will tell Gibraltar age of consent difference ‘breaches international law’ 6/10 Richard Ammon | Janu| Gibraltar | GlobalGayzĪlso see: Gibraltar Gay Rights organizationġ Gibraltar Tourism Minister Quizzed on Gay Reform 11/00Ģ Interview with Félix Álvarez.