Darlington MP Peter Gibson today (November 29) spoke up about LGBTQ+ rights in a debate about legislation that once made it illegal to 'promote' homosexuality.

Section 28 or Clause 28 was a legislative designation for a series of laws across Britain that prohibited the "promotion of homosexuality" by local authorities but was abolished 20 years ago.

Peter spoke about his own personal experience growing up when the legislation was first introduced and how that impacted him as a gay teenager.

He went on to celebrate how acceptance for LGBT+ people has increased so much since he was a child and that although most anti-LGBT+ laws have been reversed, there is still a need to ban conversion therapy and an active and ongoing fight for LGBT+ rights across the world.

Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo for just £6 for 6 months for a limited time only here.

In his closing remarks, Peter spoke about the importance of the UK being a leading example in LGBTQ+ rights across the world.

He added: "There are over 70 countries in the world where it remains illegal to be gay, and somewhere it can result in a death sentence, there remains much to do.

"This Parliament, with its out and proud gay, lesbian, bi and trans MPs can and should continue to be a light to others."