A lot done, a lot still to do when it comes to gay rights

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London's pride as Mardi Gras showcases its drive to become gay capital of the world

Philip Hensher: Gay Pride may be just a party, but it's still political

It is a sign of the times that the organisers of the London Mardi Gras, billed as "Europe's largest gay and lesbian festival", claim that it will attract visitors from around the world. Instead of demanding equal rights for homosexuals, although they do that as well, they prefer to draw attention to the boost to the economy of the capital and of the country as a whole from gay tourism.

This does not mean, of course, that the battle for equal rights for homosexuals has been won, but it does reflect a change for the better in the cultural and legislative climate. As Philip Hensher observes on page 4 of the Review, the "mental atmosphere", both among homosexuals and in society at large, has been transformed. Lesbians and gays feel much less isolated; heterosexuals feel much less threatened by expressions of gay identity.

At long last, and relatively unremarked, the age of consent was equalised at 16 for everyone in Great Britain regardless of sexual orientation in January this year. Homosexuals are now allowed to serve in the armed forces. This week, the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone – in an announcement that is timed to ensure a standing ovation when he takes the platform at the Mardi Gras – said that the Greater London Authority would register same-sex partnerships from September.

A lot done, as the Prime Minister might say, a lot still to do. There is still some way to go before homosexuals achieve full civil equality. A register held by London's government falls some way short of granting gay couples the same legal rights as heterosexual married couples – rights which are recognised to varying degrees in several European Union countries, including supposedly homophobic France. Here, gay couples do not have the same rights as heterosexuals to foster and adopt children, although they are just as capable of being good parents. Rights to pensions and inheritance are uneven and unequal.

Nor, shamefully, is it unlawful to discriminate against or harass lesbians and gays in the workplace. These are perhaps the most important issues as we take stock of the progress made towards a genuinely tolerant society.

It is disappointing that the Government has failed to repeal section 28, the law which bans the imagined "promotion" of homosexuality by local councils. But the struggle for equal rights should focus on practical issues as much, if not more than, the symbolism of an unused law. Today, liberals should celebrate what has been achieved. Tomorrow, they should vow to finish the job.