- Conference
- Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual & Transgender Conference 2005
- Date
- 29 July 2005
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
Since the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, there has been an increase in racist incidents and Islamophobia as a result of a neo-conservative strategy, on a world scale, to provoke a new cold war between the west and Islam and pursue an aggressive military policy in the Middle East. Conference is concerned that this situation will be exacerbated by the bombings in London in the summer of 2005. Conference recalls that within 2 days of 7th July bombings, the BNP was using photographs of the attacked bus with the slogan “Isn’t it time to start listening to the BNP” in a by-election campaign in Dagenham, East London. Conference knows that the BNP will continue to incite Islamophobia and use it to promote their wider campaign of hate.
Sadly Islamophobia is not just present amongst BNP activists. Some journalists and some politicians in mainstream parties promote the neo-conservative view of a direct link between terrorism and Muslims and/or Asians, refugees and asylum seekers. Conference believes that when fuel is thrown on flames of prejudice, LGBT communities risk getting burned.
Conference welcomes the significant work that UNISON has already done in the fight against racism in this country and to oppose the occupation of Iraq and Palestine. Conference also welcomes the work of Muslim, black and minority ethnic and anti-racist LGBT groups. Conference calls on every member of the LGBT communities to take a personal responsibility for challenging Islamophobic comments and verbal abuse.
Conference calls on:
1.The National LGBT Committee, in liaison with the NEC, other national SOG committees and Labour Link, to continue to work with Muslim LGBT organisations such as SAFRA and Imaan, black and minority ethnic groups, LGBT groups such as Black Lesbians UK, the Naz Project and the Black Gay Men’s Advisory Group, and anti-racist/anti-fascist groups such as Lesbian and Gay Coalition Against Racism and Unite Against Fascism, to confront and tackle Islamophobia and link this with UNISON’s continuing work to support trades unionists in Iraq and Palestine and defend the lives and human rights of Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexuals and Trans people in the Islamic world;
2.Regional and branch groups to work alongside community based and campaign groups in their areas and publicise this amongst their membership and potential membership.