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S. E. A. StatementsCivil Rights for All march 2nd OctoberMonday 20th September 2004 The Socialist Environmental Alliance has called on trade unions, community groups and political parties to back the "Civil Rights For All" march in Derry City on 2nd October. The march, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the 5th October 1968 civil rights march, is designed to show opposition in the city to attacks on gay people and people from ethnic minorities. Spokesperson for the SEA, Colm Bryce, says "it is unclear if there has been an increase in racist attacks and attacks on gays and lesbians or if there has just been an increase in reporting of attacks. But for the SEA, one thing is clear: there should be NO attacks on anyone because of their sexuality or the colour of their skin." "We in the SEA believe that much of the blame for these attacks must lie with the New Labour government and its concessions to racists and homophobes", says Mr. Bryce. "Every time Blair and Blunkett talk about 'illegal immigrants' and 'bogus asylum seekers', they feed the bigotry of the racist thugs. "When New Labour refuses to legislate for equal rights for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people, it reinforces the idea that they are somehow second class citizens", says the SEA spokesperson. "The SEA thinks the march on 2nd October is a perfect opportunity for this city to show that we believe in civil rights for all. It will send the message to the bigots who bash gays or black people that it is them we do not want in this city, while our gay or black brothers and sisters are a welcome part of the community."
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