The Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association welcome the objective of “promoting equality in an integrated way taking account of the needs of all groups”. We are concerned, however, lest inconsistencies between the perceived needs of different groups hinder such integration. As we observed in our comments last month on The Way Ahead,
One of our major concerns is the potential for conflict between avoiding discrimination on grounds of religion and of sexual orientation. It is not clear, for example, how the regulations would require employers to deal with employees who believe their religious ethos imposes on them the duty to proselytise fellow workers who are humanists or atheists and/or to attempt to “convert” homosexual colleagues. Acting on any such perceived religious duties must be treated as harassment, and doing so must not be seen as discrimination on grounds of religion.
The mutual respect and tolerance of diversity mentioned in paragraph 1.2 and at the end of paragraph 5.3 must include toleration by fundamentalist and other groups in all religions of people who share neither their religion nor their sexual orientation. If this can be assisted by effective, up-to-date institutional support for equality legislation, that will be an excellent step forward towards a more civilised society.
While we welcome the measures mentioned in paragraph 2.3, we deplore the continuing lack of recognition of gay people’s partnerships in financial and other areas. In this connection, we note with surprise and regret the omission of disadvantages relating to sexual orientation from those to be addressed in the Public Service Agreements mentioned in paragraph 2.6 – a good example of why action on the new strands is needed urgently. Similarly, pupils’ sexual orientations should be added to their religious and cultural backgrounds in the matters to be taken account of in section 403 (1A) (b) of the Education Act 1996. Individual diversity should be respected throughout life – in schools as well as in employment.
Representing a group of people who can often be discriminated against both because of their sexual orientation and because of their beliefs, we are very conscious of the need for equality of treatment that respects the many facets of our identities, and we welcome recognition of the need for effective measures to tackle multiple discrimination cases. This should, we suggest, be placed higher in the list of priorities in paragraph 3.6.
On balance we are inclined to favour the option of a single equality body, in the hope that it will prove to be the best way of tackling the problems of inconsistent perceptions mentioned in paragraph 1 above.
We are puzzled by the specific mention of Scottish and Welsh needs in paragraph 9.9, but not of English ones. As far as the regional and local dimensions are concerned (paragraphs 9.13 – 9.16) we would draw attention to the very different problems which gay people (and particularly younger ones) can meet in London and other big cities on the one hand, and in rural areas on the other. Our initial reaction is that co-operation with other organisations with a local presence is the right approach – though that should include facilitating the creation of such bodies where gaps exist.
Many useful points are drawn out throughout paragraphs 7.6 to 7.8, but we would emphasise those in paragraph 7.8 in particular.
Important though issues of equality are, they do not cover all the ground comprised in Human Rights, and we would not wish to see the body (or bodies) dealing with equality issues distracted by attempting to cover the wider field.
We do think that any new institution should carry out both promotion and enforcement activities.
The arrangements for the new strands (part 10) need more consideration. We are concerned lest the approach suggested there means that little will be achieved in the short (or even medium) term. If no institutional measures are taken, it will be important both to monitor progress (and it is not clear who would be responsible for doing that) and to ensure that the organisations mentioned in paragraph 10.5 have adequate resources to do all the necessary work.