EQUALITY campaigners welcomed the Welsh government’s plans launched today to make Wales the friendliest LGBTQ+ nation in Europe.

Deputy minister for social partnership Hannah Blythyn and Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price, along with equality activists, launched the plan at the Pride and Protest exhibition at the Museum of Welsh History in St Fagans, Cardiff.

The plan commits to ban conversion practices in Wales, seeks the devolution of gender recognition powers and will involve LGBTQ+ communities in designing public services.

“We want to improve equality and inclusion for all LGBTQ+ people, so as a community we feel safe to be ourselves free from fear, discrimination and hate,” Ms Blythyn said.

“I’m proud that here in Wales LGBTQ+ rights are embedded in the Welsh government’s commitments.

“LGBTQ+ communities remain under attack, with our hard-fought-for rights at risk of being rolled back around the world, including here in the UK.”

Mr Price said: “This plan shows how we are working together to make a more just, fairer, tolerant Wales.

“This means delivering change for everyone in society and we are proud to be working with the government on our shared ambition for Wales to be the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe.”

Director of Stonewall Cymru/Wales Davinia Green said: “It is a clear and positive commitment, particularly important when hard-won LGBTQ+ rights are being challenged.

“This is an important part of the journey, but not the end conclusion. We should not become complacent.”

Stonewall co-founder Lisa Power contributed to the development of the plan. 

“Through the work I do internationally, I increasingly get comments from people who recognise Wales as a country trying to protect all of its citizens,” Ms Power said.