- Conference
- 2007 National LGBT Conference
- Date
- 25 July 2007
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
Conference recognises the value of human rights in promoting dignity, equality and protection for all people, especially those who may be vulnerable to abuse of their human rights.
Conference also acknowledges the work carried out by the British Institute of Human Rights and the Department of Health in this area and in particular notes the references to issues of concern to LGBT people.
Conference recalls that the Human Rights Act (which incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into United Kingdom law) covers all public bodies and is especially relevant where a particular body is responsible for someone’s care.
Examples where this approach may be especially needed include:
1.Access to gender reassignment
2.Protection of school pupils from bullying and harassment
3.Protection of the rights of people using mental health services
4.Promoting the autonomy of people with learning difficulties
5.Protecting the integrity and well being of LGBT families
6.Promoting the rights of LGBT older people
7.Respect for people who may not be able to assert their wishes
8. Protection of adults, young people and children from sexual trafficking and other forms of modern slavery.
Whilst acknowledging the current protections under discrimination law and hoped for progress under the Single Equality Act Conference believes that using Human Rights Based Approaches (HRBAs) within public services can be a key tool in ensuring respect for:
A.Freedom of individual identity and expression
B.Rights to freedom of assembly
C.Freedom to found a family and respect for family life
D.Rights to be protected from discrimination
E.Rights to be protected from degrading treatment
In view of these benefits, Conference calls on the National LGBT Committee to seek to publicise the advantages of Human Rights Based Approaches (HRBAs) within public services as a key lever to achieve the protections that we are seeking and that are of particular concern to LGBT communities.
Conference instructs the National LGBT Committee to seek to develop work in this area in order to build on the work already started on the Charter for Change for LGBT equality, working with the NEC and Service Groups to disseminate good practice.