RELIGIOUS PRIVILEGE

Conference notes that: 1.The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 were intended to implement, in part, the European Union (EU) Employment Equality Framework Directive 2000 but the regulations grant an exemption where employment is for a religious purpose for which the directive did not provide and upon which there had been no consultation; 2.Responding to […]

ENGLISH, SCOTTISH AND WELSH DEFENCE LEAGUES

Conference is alarmed at the emergence of the English, Scottish and Welsh Defence Leagues. Conference notes that fascists took power early last century by building legal political parties that engaged in civil society and in constitutional activity like elections but which also included violent mass movements that broke up working class organisation, intimidated activists and […]

PROTECTING ACCESS TO OUR HEALTH SERVICES AND THE THREAT TO SCREENING PROVISION FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER (LGBT) PEOPLE

Conference notes with concern continued lack of visibility of LGBT health needs within the health service. As we know massive cuts are planned for front line services and many PCT are under pressure to make savings as well as being at threat of being abolished, to be replaced by local GP consortia. As many LGBT […]

Including Retired Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Members

Conference notes that, although this self-organised group’s remit includes retired LGBT members, they may not take part in debates at this conference. Conference notes in particular that: 1.Rule D4, which defines the self-organised groups, refers throughout to members without reference to the categories of membership in rule C2; however, 2.Rule C2.6.2 says retired members may […]

UK GOVERNMENT ADVOCACY FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER (LGBT) HUMAN RIGHTS – HOLDING THE COALITION TO ACCOUNT

Conference acknowledges the breakthroughs achieved under the last government to promote LGBT equality internationally. These included: 1.Support for and representation at Pride events; 2.Support for statements on LGBT equality at the United Nations General Assembly and Human Rights Council; 3.The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) toolkit to promote LGBT equality Conference recognises that Government Minister […]

CONFERENCE TIME – A WASTE OF TIME

Conference recognises the importance of ‘workshops’ to raise awareness, educate and inform members but not at a cost of conference time. Conference also understands that it is important for Caucuses to meet but not at the cost of conference business. Conference notes that at last year’s conference and previous years we have rushed through business […]

Young Members’ Seats on National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Committee

Conference is aware that Young Members are the next generation of activists and leaders. Decisions taken at this and every other UNISON conference will affect their lives more than any others. Conference notes that Young Members are recognised and have a seat on the highest body of this union, the National Executive Council. UNISON needs […]

Encouraging Participation

National Bisexual Members’ Caucus Conference notes with pride that equality is at the heart of our union and recognises that self organisation is an integral part of equality. Conference unfortunately also notes that some lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and other self organised group members continue to experience unnecessary hindrances in attending their UNISON […]

SUPPORT FOR OLDER LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER (LGBT) PEOPLE IN RURAL AREAS

In rural areas many older LGBT people can be left feeling isolated and unsupported. Very often the support networks and access to services and health provisions enjoyed by older LGBT people living in urban areas is just non existent in rural areas. Conference it is vital for the mental and physical well being of our […]

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER (LGBT) VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

Domestic abuse knows no boundaries of gender, culture, class, age, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity or belief. A recent survey showed that 40.1% of the women surveyed and 35.2% of the men had experienced same sex domestic abuse with even more experiencing sexual abuse. The survey showed that there were still barriers to recognising domestic abuse […]

LOVE WITHOUT BORDERS

98% of UK lesbian, gay and bisexual Asylum cases are refused at the initial application stage and the asylum system results in many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Asylum seekers being returned to countries where they may face persecution and possible death. It has now become essential that the national LGBT Committee continue a […]

BETTER FACILITIES FOR GAY MEN EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC ABUSE

Conference expresses its disgust at all forms of domestic abuse and realises that all victims deserve the full support of the community and the full protection of the law. Conference notes that according to the charity Broken Rainbow, one in four gay men will experience domestic abuse in their relationships. Domestic abuse does not just […]

Branch Toolkits

Conference commends the work of the National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Committee with regards to raising awareness across this union of issues affecting LGBT members. It also notes the guides and toolkits provided previously. It is worrying however that there still remains a lack of awareness of LGBT issues within branches. Whilst it […]

The New Equality Legislation

Conference welcomes the new Equality legislation following the successful passing of the Equality Bill prior to the General Election earlier this year. It is expected that the Equality Act will be phased in from the autumn of 2010. This new Act now includes protection for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and especially Transgender people in a single […]

FIGHTING THE FAR RIGHT

Conference is very aware that although the far right political parties did not win a seat at the recent General Election, their activity has by no means decreased. These parties and those associated with them continue to practice their homophobic, biphobic and transphobic ideals not forgetting their racism, disablism, xenophobia and other hatred including of […]