Friday, 18 June 2010

TUC welcomes Government plans to tackle prejudice against LGBT people

Commenting on Government plans to tackle prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people announced today (Thursday) by the Minister for Women and Equalities Theresa May, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “The TUC warmly welcomes these wide-ranging plans to tackle discrimination against LGBT people in the UK. It is wrong that so many children and adults face harassment, intimidation, ridicule or violence simply because of their sexuality.
“We are pleased to see plans include stamping out homophobic bullying in schools, ending hate crimes against LGBT people and allowing same-sex couples to register their relationships in religious settings high up on the Government’s equality agenda.
“Britain should be a place where people are treated with respect regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, and unions stand ready to work with the Government on these measures in any way we can.”

Tuesday, 15 June 2010

Birmingham Pride report

Once again TUC in the Midlands had a stall for Birmingham Pride, this year on the Saturday of the two day event.

LGBT Network Chair, Richard Jones was assisted on the stall by members from PCS and GMB. With the recent election still being all too fresh in the mind there was much discussion about the expected assault on public services. Many visitors to the stall were also interested in the voting record of their out going MP on LGBT issues, the Stonewall list of voting records is particularly shaming for the new Equality Minister, Theresa May, who has a worse record than even the likes Rev Ian Paisley. There was also good support for the other unions that had stalls on the day. It was also good to see Bob Deakin, the retired former secretary of the LGBT Network, on the UNISON stall.
The weather on the day was disappointing at times, but as the sun came out during the afternoon, so did the crowds, here’s to better weather for 2011!