User:Aisnotokay/Communist party of great britain

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In 1975, reformers within the CPGB wanted the party to recognise gay liberation in its policy platform. At the 34th National Congress in 1975, the Birmingham Central branch and the Norwood and Clapham branches (both in London) proposed resolutions to the lack of recognition of gay liberation. The main focuses of these proposals were equal rights in the public sphere, and more awareness and tolerance within the party. Specifically, the Norwood and Clapham branches also pushed for the party to get involved with gay activism. There were many more resolutions proposed, however they were not added to the CPGB policy at the 34th National Congress due to the leaders not wanting to debate on the issue at the very moment, the issue was put on hold until further discussion could take place.

After the discussion of policy change was put on hold, it was put on the agenda for the executive committee meeting on the 11th and 12th September, 1976. Specifically it was the Birmingham Central branch’s resolutions that were being discussed. The CPGB acknowledged that it would take more than just reform within the party to fully achieve gay liberation. However, the CPGB ended up agreeing to implement the proposals, encouraging gay members to be out about their sexuality, and setting up a Gay Advisory Committee. The CPGB agreeing to implement the proposals of the Birmingham Central branch made the party look more appealing to gay men who were looking to join the party. Yet, gay members of the CPGB still faced some resistance and pushback from other party members when it came to the "politicisation of homosexuality" within the party.