CONTACTAbout UsCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2025 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
The crystal methamphetamine debate has raged in the United Kingdom for nearly a decade.
Not willing to take any risks, the Home Office has reclassified the drug from Class B to Class A. This now puts it in the same bracket as heroin and cocaine, meaning users face up to seven years in jail for possession while dealers and manufacturers may get life.
The drug, also known as "Tina," "crank," "crack," and "ice," has proved devastating to gays in the United States and Australia. It's viewed by many as responsible for destroying the club scene in major cities, and it is notoriously linked to unsafe sex and unrelenting addiction.
Home Office minister Vernon Coaker said, "We know from the experiences of other countries that it has the potential to ruin the lives of individuals and their families. Crystal meth would be an awful drug were it to take root in this country; it would have a devastating impact on individuals; it would have a devastating impact on communities.
"We know it hasn't happened yet; we want to keep it that way. Reclassification is a precautionary measure that helps to ensure crystal meth does not gain a foothold in the U.K. I believe tougher penalties send a strong message that dealing and making crystal meth will not be tolerated."
Both Rufus Wainwright and Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas have admitted to crystal problems in the past. Scissor Sisters wrote about the drug's effect on the New York City scene in their haunting Pink Floyd-esque number "Return to Oz."
The haunting lament features the lyrics "The grass is dead, the gold is brown, what once was Emerald City's now a crystal town." (Stewart Who?, U.K.Gay.com)
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
31 Period Films of Lesbians and Bi Women in Love That Will Take You Back
December 09 2024 1:00 PM
18 of the most batsh*t things N.C. Republican governor candidate Mark Robinson has said
October 30 2024 11:06 AM
True
After 20 years, and after tonight, Obama will no longer be the Democrats' top star
August 20 2024 12:28 PM
Trump ally Laura Loomer goes after Lindsey Graham: ‘We all know you’re gay’
September 13 2024 2:28 PM
Melania Trump cashed six-figure check to speak to gay Republicans at Mar-a-Lago
August 16 2024 5:57 PM
These 13 major companies caved to the far right and stopped DEI programs
January 24 2025 1:11 PM
True
Latest Stories
Anti-trans Republican Nancy Mace doubles down on dehumanizing transphobic slur during hearing
February 06 2025 10:27 AM
What does the science say about transgender women in sports?
February 06 2025 10:01 AM
It's time to build a sustainable future for LGBTQ+ advocacy work. Here's why
February 06 2025 7:00 AM
Democratic congressmen: Federal personnel office can't discriminate against trans Americans
February 05 2025 8:19 PM
Trump moves to ban international transgender athletes from 2028 Olympic Games
February 05 2025 5:21 PM
Donald Trump bans transgender athletes from playing sports
February 05 2025 4:15 PM
West Point military academy eliminates cadet clubs amid Trump’s diversity crackdown
February 05 2025 2:42 PM
15 Democratic state AGs stand by gender-affirming care
February 05 2025 2:39 PM
American satisfaction with state of LGBTQ+ rights reaches lowest point in over a decade
February 05 2025 2:05 PM
LGBTQ+ non-U.S. citizens at risk under Trump’s immigration crackdown: study
February 05 2025 12:56 PM
Lesbian cop wins $750k in sexual harassment lawsuit against former chief
February 05 2025 11:53 AM