Pressure grows over gay discrimination

Pressure is growing on the government to protect lesbian and gay people from discrimination in the goods and services sector.

Brighton MP Des Turner has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons calling for action on the issue. He wants an amendment to the Equality Bill, due to enter parliament again next week, to ensure the sector is included in anti-discrimination legislation.

At present, hotels, restaurants, the health service and other providers of goods and services are legally allowed to discriminate against lesbian and gay people. Although traditionally a smaller issue, the impact of the lack of laws increased in profile when a series of B&Bs across the country refused to allow gay couples to stay in their lodgings.

Since then, campaigners and members of the private sector have lobbied the government for change. Last month, tourist board Visit Britain announced it would push for change after a B&B in Dorset refused to allow a gay couple to stay. The board also said it would outline its guidance on the issue in a bid to ensure all lesbian and gay tourists were protected from abuse as much as possible.

Turner, who is the MP for the city’s gay centre Kemp Town, says he “welcomes” the Equality Bill in the Early Day Motion, but calls for the protections to be extended."

This House welcomes the Equality Bill, but calls on the Government to extend the protections for religious groups, in respect of discrimination in the provisions of goods, facilities and services, to lesbians and gay men,” the Motion states.

“There is a pressing need for such legislation at the earliest opportunity to end widespread discrimination in areas such as healthcare and insurance which exists purely on the grounds of sexual orientation."

Taken from Gay.com