UNISON National LGBT Conference 2007

Well Conference is over for another year. There were many motions, much consensus and a little contentious debate over service group seats, the best way to pursue fair representation on the NEC and women's safe space. Blood donation featured high on the agenda as did human rights and retired members. Concerns were expressed about the single equality bill but there was much support for UNISON's equality scheme which strives to put equality at the heart of the union. Black and Disabled Members issues had a high profile with motions on Destination Unknown about the deportaion of treatment of people with HIV and Aids, Black and Disabled Members network Days, Human Tissue and Embryology Act, Single Equality Bill, Disability Equality Duty, Beyond the Barriers and a composite motion on Burma. Motions which are to be submitted to National Delegate Conference this year are Human Rights are Fundamental and Making LGBT Equality a Reality. We also formalised our standing orders to reflect the rule book which permits Young Members Forum to send delegates and submit motions and amendments to our conference. Full details of all motions debated can be found here.

Delegates wore blue and pink ribbons to mark International Trans Memorial day. Guest Speakers included Norma Stephenson President, Mike Kirby, Regional Secretary UNISON Scotland and PSI International Guests Tony Diesel from South Africa and Bernadette Keeffe from Australia. We welcomed Stuart Reeves, Chair of National Young Members Forum as a guest as well as the the Young Members delegate James Anthony. Other guests who were equally welcomed were Katrina Murray, Chair of National Women's Committee and Cath Elliot, Chair of Eastern Region Women's Committee and Glasgow City Councillor Ruth Black to our Conference. There was also a presentation on UNISON's equality scheme.

We were treated to a civic reception by Glasgow City Council and then a social event at Glasgow LGBT Centre and then on Saturday night a ceilidh and disco at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Attendance by women at Conference was a little disappointing with only 41% of delegates and 26% of visitors registered.