Nick Clegg and Francis Maude agree to fly rainbow flag from Cabinet Office for Pride week

Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude and Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg both intend to demonstrate the government’s commitment to equality by allowing the rainbow flag to fly from the Cabinet Office during Pride week in the capital.

Mr Maude, Conservative MP for Horsham and a strong supporter of equal marriage, told PinkNews.co.uk in 2006 that his brother, who was gay and died from AIDS in 1993, would have experienced a much better life if there been greater acceptance of same-sex relationships.

Mr Clegg became the first major political leader to support equal marriage in an article for PinkNews.co.uk in 2010.

A Cabinet Office spokesman said: “We are proud to fly the flag and look forward to a time when same-sex couples can get married.”

The rainbow flag was designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978.

Pride week, part of Pride in London festivities, will run from the 23-30 June.

Saturday 29 June is the main day of the festival and London’s annual Pride parade will proceed from Baker Street to Trafalgar Square.

Earlier this week, organisers announced London Mayor Boris Johnson, tennis star Martina Navratilova and BBC sports presenter Clare Balding, would be taking part in several different Pride events.

Boris Johnson said: “Our Pride celebrations are one of the biggest events of the year as befits a city with a large LGBT population. The diversity of people taking part encapsulates why our city is one of the most exciting places on earth to live. I’m delighted to support this fabulous event. Here’s to it being a massive success.”

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