12 Against racism, against homophobia

Submitted by TUC Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Conference

Congress recognises that the BNP is homophobic, sexist, racist and fascist.

Congress notes the British National Party’s success in the London Assembly elections in 2008 in winning a seat, their campaign to win a seat at the Euro Elections in 2009 and their intention to run for the parliamentary seat of Dagenham and Rainham at the next general election.

Congress further notes that while social democratic parties have failed to slow the rise of the BNP, a prolonged economic recession could be the BNP’s life-support machine.

Congress believes that the broadest public coalition is needed to stop the rise of the BNP and to stop them making a breakthrough into mass politics achieved by the far right throughout Europe.

Congress resolves to:

i) encourage affiliates to include in all anti-BNP materials that the BNP is homophobic and sexist as well as racist and fascist

ii) work with Unite Against Fascism, Searchlight and other organisations to expose BNP’s homophobia and sexism

iii) recognise the pivotal role of school staff in anti-racist, anti-sexist and anti-homophobic education

iv) continue to use whatever appropriate methods available to stop the BNP and actively campaign against them whenever and wherever they appear

v) resist moves by the Mayor of London to derail anti-racist initiatives

vi) wherever the BNP have been elected, to discredit them publicly

vii) campaign for the political isolation and expulsion of fascists from trade unions

(this motion is exempt from the 250-word limit)