Gay human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell says Tony Blair's time British Prime Minister was one of major improvement for the equality of LGBT people, but pointed out the Blair legacy is not without its downside. Blair announced yesterday that he would be stepping down as Prime Minister on 27th June, ending almost a year of speculation. “During Tony Blair's Prime Ministership, anti-gay laws that had existed for decades, or even centuries, were repealed,” Tatchell said. “Nearly all homophobic legislation was removed from the statute books in less than a decade – a truly breath-taking pace of reform that has greatly improved the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual people.” And he pointed out that would not have happened if the Conservatives had remained in power. “Congratulations and thanks to the Labour government – and to MPs from all parties who backed gay law reform,” he said. 61% of respondents said they thought Britain was a better country for gay people, in the Observer poll of 2,034 adults taken in March. But Tatchell also pointed out that Labour – and Tony Blair – are still blocking other aspects of gay human rights. “They support the ban on same-sex marriage, deport gay asylum seekers, and refuse to prohibit incitement to homophobic hatred. “The battle for queer equality isn't finished yet,” he said. “We still have a way to go.” Ref: UK Gay News (m)