- Conference
- 2003 National Lesbian & Gay Conference
- Date
- 1 August 2003
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that:
1.the Sex Discrimination Act (1975) forbids discrimination against married persons but offers no equivalent protection to unmarried persons;
although,
2.the Equal Treatment Directive may protect married and unmarried persons equally from discrimination.
Conference considers this is an “Achilles Heel” which may undermine legislation intended to promote equality for lesbians and gay men. Conference notes particularly that the Government’s consultation document, “Civil Partnership, A framework for the legal recognition of same-sex couples”, fails to refer to the Sex Discrimination Act.
Conference therefore calls for an amendment to the Sex Discrimination Act to provide Equal Protection for married and unmarried persons.
Conference instructs the National Lesbian and Gay Committee (NLGC) to include this call in its campaigning etc. whenever it is appropriate to do so.
Conference further instructs the NLGC to campaign for legislation on civil partnerships which outlaws discrimination against married persons, unmarried persons, registered civil partners, unregistered civil partners and single people.