LONDON, June 16, 2010 – The British Government has pledged to stop the deportation of asylum seekers who have had to leave particular countries because their sexual orientation or gender identification puts them at proven risk of imprisonment, torture or execution.
This is revealed in a wide-ranging document outlining the Coalition Government’s plans “to tear down barriers to equal opportunities and to build a fairer society”. The document, Working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality was published this afternoon by the Government Equalities Office ahead of this evening’s reception at 10 Downing Street to mark the start of the Pride London fortnight.
It includes Government plans both at home and overseas.
On international matters, the document says: “The UK is recognised as a world leader on LGB and T rights.”
But it warns: “While we will use our international status to influence other countries, encourage them to repeal anti-homosexuality laws and show further understanding of LGB and T issues, we are also aware that this will not happen overnight.”
“I’m proud of the fact that Britain is a world leader for LGB and T equality but we must not be complacent,” the Minister for Women and Equalities, Theresa May, said in a statement.
“In this country and around the world, too many LGB and T people still face discrimination based on outdated prejudices.
“And that has to stop,” she insisted.
“As a Government, we have made clear our determination to take concerted action to tear down barriers to equal opportunities and to build a fairer society.
“It’s not fair that a man can be branded a criminal because 30 years ago he had consensual sex with another man,” she said referring to plans to remove historical convictions in Britain for consensual gay sex from criminal records.
“It’s not fair that hate crimes against transgender people go unreported because too few people understand how to handle such cases. And it’s not fair that too many children still suffer at the hands of homophobic bullies because schools lack the support they need to tackle it.
“We’re working to make Britain a place where everyone is treated fairly and everyone has an equal chance in life, whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity.
This ambitious programme of work is the first step on that journey,” she added.
The plan, which is the first of its kind to be produced by the UK Government, covers all aspects of life, including education, sport, the workplace, the criminal justice system and international rights.
The plans also include work to allow same-sex couples to register their relationships in a religious setting and lobbying other countries to repeal homophobic legislation and recognise UK civil partnerships.
The Government says it will stop the deportation of asylum seekers who have had to leave particular countries because their sexual orientation or gender identification puts them at proven risk of imprisonment, torture or execution.
In Europe, the document says the UK will “proactively work with and influence both the current and future holders of the EU Presidency to include a focus on LGB and T issues.
“We will continue to support a unified EU position on the rights of LGB and T people, including promoting LGB and T rights around the world as part of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. Starting this year, we will ensure that LGB and T issues are covered fully in the human rights fact sheets and reports which EU Heads of Missions submit regularly to Brussels.
“We will ensure implementation in the UK of the Council of Europe’s recommendations – ‘Measures to Combat Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity.”
Even sports are included in Working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality. The Government pledges to work with governing bodies of different sports to tackle homophobia and transphobia in sports, so that people participating in, and watching, sport feel safe – and unacceptable behaviour is challenged.
Read the document HERE (Adobe pdf file)
LINK
Women and Equalities Website