Britain's main political parties began a battle for the gay vote today with opposition Conservatives holding a "gay summit" and the Labour Party preparing plans to allow same-sex marriages.
In the run-up to June elections for London's mayor, local councils and the European parliament, both parties are keen to court the homosexual vote, which is seen as politically active.
"For too often, the prejudices and abuse that many homosexuals face are simply ignored by politicians. It's now time this changed," said Mr Tim Yeo, Conservative health and education spokesman, who opened his party's gay summit.
Conservatives, anxious to shake off their anti-gay image, met homosexual rights campaigners to hear accounts of discrimination against gay and lesbians in Britain.
Tory leader Mr Michael Howard did not attend the summit but has backed the talks on health, relations with the government and how to prevent homophobic attacks.
But gay rights campaigner Mr Peter Tatchell said he wanted to see evidence of the Tories' new attitudes. "Frankly words count for nothing. It's actions that are important," he told Sky News.
On Wednesday, the British government will publish the Civil Partnerships Bill, which would for the first time give legal recognition to gay marriages in Britain. Under the proposals same-sex couples will be allowed to hold a civil wedding in a registry office and have similar rights on pensions and property as heterosexual couples.