British Prime Minister David Cameron
reaffirmed his commitment to legalizing gay marriage in a World Pride
statement.
On Saturday London hosts World
Pride, the biannual Gay Pride celebration. Toronto will host the
next party in 2014.
Cameron, whose government has pledged
to legalize gay marriage in Britain by 2015, applauded the festival.
“The UK has been judged to be the
best country in Europe in which to live if you're gay, so it is great
that World Pride is being celebrated here in London – especially
during this Diamond Jubilee and Olympic year.”
“It is 40 years since people first
marched in London calling for equal rights. Since then we've come a
very long way and progress is still being made.”
“We have just finished consulting on
how to introduce same sex marriage and we are working with countries
across the globe to bring about greater equality.”
“I hope you all have a happy Pride
and remember all those who have, and those who are still fighting
for, greater rights and protection for the LGBT community.”
Festival organizers have been
criticized for canceling several venues with little warning.
Organizers blamed a funding shortage, saying the economic climate had
made it difficult to raise cash. On Wednesday, Patrick Williams
resigned as chairman of Pride London.