Cumbria campaigners to highlight equality issues in Japan

The human rights organisation Amnesty International is calling on people attending this year's event, held in Carlisle city centre on Saturday, to promote legislation that will guarantee the rights of LGBT people in Japan.

At present, LGBT people in Japan face discrimination in employment, education, family life and with regards to accessing health services. Discrimination has also been found in detention centres and in disaster-affected areas.

Amnesty International says that some Japanese politicians and government officials have continued to make explicitly homophobic statements that encourage discrimination against LGBT people.

Gay rights supporters attending Cumbria Pride will be invited to take selfies with campaign placards promoting legislation that will guarantee the rights of LGBT people in Japan.

It is hoped that everyone who poses for a photograph will promote the cause across social media networks including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Anyone that would like to take part in the campaign can do so by visiting the Amnesty International marquee, which will be staffed by members of Amnesty's Carlisle, west Cumbria, Allerdale and William Howard School groups.

A host of musicians and performers will be attending this year's Cumbria Pride event.

Two famous Carlisle singers will return to the city - with Britain's Got Talent winners Collabro featuring Matt Pagan and 1990s boyband 911 including Lee Brennan - who are both performing on the main stage.

Other acts include Andy Crosbie as Elton John, The Tailormade and Ross Alexander.

Simon Ware, chair of the national Amnesty LGBTI network will be speaking at the event.

He said: "I am looking forward to speaking at Cumbria Pride and hope those attending will join us in showing their solidarity and support for LGBT people in Japan.

"LGBT people in Japan have waited long enough to be treated as equals. It's time for the Japanese government to end discrimination."