Single Equality Act – Framework for Unfairness?

Conference notes the recent Framework for Fairness consultation on the Single Equality Act. Conference believes that if we are to achieve equality at work we need a single, coherent and comprehensive Single Equality Act that strengthens existing discrimination legislation and gives support for trade unions to address inequality through collective bargaining. Conference notes that we […]

Disability Equality Duty – One Year On

Conference celebrates the past year during which we have witnessed great strides in equality – goods and services protection on grounds of sexual orientation, the gender equality duty and the civil partnership act. Conference notes that it is also twelve months since the Disability Equality Duty came into force. Conference further notes that enforcement and […]

Beyond the Barriers – Positively Promoting Disabled LGBT Members

Conference believes that disability – like sexual orientation and gender identity – is a political and civil rights issue. Conference further believes that disability like sexual orientation and gender identity is a trade union issue. Conference notes that disabled Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people face disability discrimination, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in society […]

Destination Unknown

Conference believes that there is a clear contradiction between the United Kingdom’s (UK’s) policy aim of universal access to Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment for all those who need it by 2010 and the deportation of people living with HIV/Aids who are on treatment to countries where treatment is not readily available or affordable. The […]

Human Rights are Fundamental

Conference notes that: 1. A well-defined Human Rights charter defines the basic principles of a fair, democratic and decent society. In that sense the Human Rights Act has had some success in providing a foundation for greater equality in the United Kingdom (UK). 2.These principles often come under attack from many sources, who find it […]

Human Rights in Healthcare

Conference notes: 1.UNISON’s “Charter for Change for LGBT Equality”, with significant references to health and well being as well as service delivery in the healthcare setting; 2.The coming in to being of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights; 3.The inclusion in the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) of equality, diversity and respect for human […]

Promoting LGBT Equality in the NHS

Conference notes the increasing evidence of health inequalities facing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people including: 1.Higher levels of tobacco, alcohol and drug usage; 2.Higher levels of anxiety, depression and self harm. Conference recognises that there are many causes from such inequalities including: A.Experiences of bullying and harassment at school; B.Experiences of hate crime; […]

Amendment to Standing Order 3.1

‘After “Transgender Members Caucus” delete “and” Add at end “and by the National Young Members Forum.”

Continued Growth of the BNP

Conference notes with alarm that the BNP continue to gain ground around the country following elections held on 3rd May this year. In these elections the BNP polled 292,911 votes England and Scotland, the highest vote for fascism in British history. The BNP failed to be elected to the North Wales seat on the Welsh […]

Blood Donation, Gay and Bisexual Men

Conference is concerned that just 6% of the adult population donate blood. Conference also notes with concern that STI’s (inc HIV), are rising fastest among sections of the Heterosexual population. Conference calls on the National Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Committee to work with sister unions via the TUC and UNISON Health Group to continue […]

Support ILGA

Conference notes with dismay the continuing opposition to LGBT Pride demonstrations and marches in many countries. We are saddened in particular by the violence that has been expressed towards LGBT people participating in Pride demonstrations in Russia, Poland, Latvia, Croatia and many other countries. Conference urges all UNISON LGBT groups, branches and regions to affiliate […]

Positively Public

LGBT people have many skills and talents to offer the workplace, something that is not always recognised, even in workplaces that claim to be ‘equalities friendly’. Positively Public is UNISON’s campaign for quality in our public services, and for recognition of the essential role of public service workers in achieving this. Conference welcomes the reinvigoration […]

SOGs – “Hands off they are ours and we need them”

This Conference welcomes the campaigning and hard work over the years, which has resulted in increased understanding between the separate self organised groups (SOGs), caucuses and strands within our diverse communities and workforces. Conference further welcomes the various legal changes leading to better protection against discrimination for different groups, and the potential to bring these […]

Policing of Public Sex Environments

Conference is aware following the recent legislative changes in relation to Sexual Orientation Regulations that most major employers are reviewing their policies in this area. Conference welcomes the news that the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is also reviewing and updating its policies and procedures in relation to the policing of public sex environments, […]

Service Group Representation on National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) Self Organised Group (SOG) Committees

This Conference is concerned that there is no provision for service groups to be fully represented on national self organised group (SOGs) and vice versa. There is provision regionally for all SOGs to be represented on regional service group committees. This appears to be out of line if this does not extend to national bodies. […]