Both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown held receptions for gay activists during Labour’s 13 years in power, although Mr Brown faced a backlash last year after allegedly barring the gay rights activist Peter Tatchell.

But next week’s event will be the first gay reception hosted by a Tory Prime Minister.

Mr Cameron is expected to give a speech of welcome to guests at the reception, which will also be attended by other Tory and Liberal Democrat ministers. The symbolic move follows a concerted bid by Mr Cameron to convince gay people that the Conservatives have ditched attitudes of the past.

He has signed up to a series of demands from gay activists, including pledging to quash historic gay convictions for offences which are no longer considered crimes.

Downing Street said next week’s reception would be a ‘celebration’ of the achievements of gay equality campaigners. A spokesman said: ‘Ahead of a summer of Prides, it will be a recognition of the importance gay people play in national life.’

But Downing Street would not comment on whether Mr Cameron would attend the annual Gay Pride march on 3 July. The guest list for next week’s event has not been released.

The Tories’ bid for the so-called ‘pink vote’ was derailed in the run-up to the election when the then Shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling said Christian bed and breakfast owners should have the right to refuse accommodation to gay couples in their own homes.
His comments provoked uproar among gay activists who held a protest outside Tory HQ. After the election Mr Grayling lost his seat in the Cabinet.

Daily Mail Reporter (Daily Mail) – 11 June 2010.

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