Hain moves to close gay discrimination loophole
The British government today revealed new plans to stop any gays or lesbians being turned away from hotels or denied house tenancies in the North.
These are some of the types of discrimination based on sexual orientation which the authorities want to end through tightened regulations.
Secretary of State Peter Hain also confirmed he planned fresh financial backing for organisations who support the gay community.
He said: “The Government’s vision is for a fair society founded on equal opportunities for all, respect for the dignity and worth of each person and mutual respect between communities.
“Since 1997 this Government has taken steps UK-wide to achieve that goal and these new proposals are a further step along that road.
“We have to ensure that everybody, regardless of their sexual orientation, is afforded the same access to goods, facilities, services and education as anybody else.”
Although Northern Ireland already has anti-discrimination legislation in place, this is an attempt to close a loophole which still exists.
It would prevent same-sex couples being refused shared accommodation in guest-houses or hotels, and also prevent any move against housing tenants or potential buyers.
Similar moves have already been made by the Department of Trade and Industry in Britain.
Regulations drawn up to end discrimination based on a person’s sexual orientation when they try to access goods, facilities and services are to go out for an eight-week public consultation.
A draft strategy and action plan is also to be published, with responses studied over the next 12 weeks.
“We have worked closely with the sector to produce the strategy which endorses Government’s commitment to ensuring equality of opportunity for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people,” Mr Hain added.
“Through its three-year Action Plan we will tackle issues of concern for LGB people such as health and suicide, as well as education issues and homophobic bullying.
“To support capacity building of LGB organisations I am pleased to be able to provide a future package of financial support, the detail of which I will announce later.
“Each of these announcements is worthy in their own right.
“The significance of announcing them together is to highlight the commitment we have to ensuring progress towards a fairer, more tolerant society for all of Northern Ireland’s citizens.”
