Senator Philip Ozouf, assistant minister responsible for the digital industry, is the island's only openly gay politician
Jersey's only openly gay politician says he still receives anonymous hate mail because of his sexuality.
Assistant Chief Minister Senator Philip Ozouf was at the Channel Islands' first Pride parade on Saturday.
He said even though there were still homophobic undercurrents the island had come a long way in bringing equality to all, regardless of sexual orientation.
The States of Jersey is due to debate the introduction of equal marriage legislation in two weeks.
He congratulated the Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, for leading the way with the proposal for same-sex marriage due to be debated in the states.
Rainbow flags were flown from all government buildings in Jersey to mark Pride
Mr Ozouf said: "It is those people who say, 'I have a lot of gay friends', but then attempt to justify why same-sex couples should be treated differently.
"It is the hidden homophobia, like xenophobia and Islamophobia, that needs to be understood.
"We are a diverse community and I compliment the organisers for putting on an event in celebration of what modern Jersey is today."
Jersey first legalised same-sex sexual activity in 1990; introduced a gender recognition law in 2010; and allowed civil partnerships and same-sex adoption in 2012.
Speaking after the parade, organiser Christan May said: "Growing up an openly gay man, I never thought I'd see anything like this in Jersey. I'm amazed at how far the island has come."
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