tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84097584115790907022011-08-04T20:20:10.330+01:00A place to discuss Equality, Trade Unionism, Human Rights, Politics, Law, LGBT, Feminism and whatever else takes my fancy and yours.......Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.comBlogger2021100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-8010580456600314972011-08-04T20:14:00.002+01:002011-08-04T20:20:10.601+01:00

Ed Milliband has got some cheek with reducing the powers for trade unions in the Refounding Labour proposals.  I recall a sketch on 'This Week' where Ed was portrayed as Don Corleone after stabbing brother David in the back for the Leadership contest of the Labour Party.   Well Mister Ed, the talking horse, might well find his head cut off by the trade unions and find it in bed beside him! 

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-34921276042342005112011-08-04T17:44:00.001+01:002011-08-04T17:47:05.312+01:00

The Tory Government's new craze e-petition is nothing new.  We previously had the right to place a petition on the Downing Street Website and if it raised sensible concerns about Government policies, these would be raised and a public response would be issued.  I have received many a response.  This new system which requires 100, 000 signatures is likely to phase out but is dangerous because it

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-68167206753527316342011-07-28T12:14:00.001+01:002011-07-28T12:20:12.260+01:00

On 27 July 2011, the Polish Parliament heard the first reading of a civil partnership bill which would regulate matters for same- and different-sex couples. The bill was read in a joint session of the Justice and Human Rights Committee and the Social Politics and Family Committee. The members voted (29 to 10) to send the bill further to a special subcommittee. Right-wing Law and Justice Party (

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-306761554087866022011-07-28T11:55:00.003+01:002011-07-28T12:11:35.343+01:00

With 29 votes in favour, 14 against and 5 abstentions, the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) granted today consultative status to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA)http://ilga.org/ilga/en/article/n5GebHB1PY Debate at UN on July 25 2011 regarding ILGA's ECOSOC applicationIn the discussion on non-governmental organizations, speakers expressed

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-20174285616913718012011-03-25T16:27:00.005Z2011-03-25T16:58:22.879Z

To express my outrage against the ideological destruction of public services and attacks on public service workers and people who rely on public services. In solidarity with all those who will be affected by the cuts in services, benefits and jobs.Because I am a local government worker in the field of homelessness and housing options and being made redundant as a result of the Tory-led

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-63980185509794610282011-03-25T15:36:00.003Z2011-03-25T16:27:50.102Z

UN Human Rights Council: A Stunning Development Against ViolenceUnprecedented Support for Statement on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity(March 22, 2011) In a stunning development for the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, today, Colombia delivered a Joint Statement during General Debate (Agenda Item 8 –

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-43739512292995908462011-03-25T15:30:00.001Z2011-03-25T15:34:53.692Z

Members of the European Parliament have reacted to recent developments in national laws affecting transgender people. On 16 March 2011, the new Law establishing procedures for change of name and sex in the civil register came into force in Portugal. The new law does not require divorce, sterilisation, hormonal treatment or surgery to officially change gender, although a medical diagnosis will

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-71432954011768679342011-03-25T15:14:00.004Z2011-03-25T15:29:57.834Z

BRUSSELS, 17 March 2011 — The European Commission has published proposals for the introduction of new EU regulations which would simplify property rights procedures for international couples.The proposed rules will facilitate legal and administrative procedures in the field of property rights (real estate, banking, other possessions) for all international couples, whether they are married or in a

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-66990769435338457292010-07-19T00:09:00.010+01:002010-07-19T00:43:37.902+01:00

In pictures for now but will blog more later And the different side but still but enjoyable....And now for some history...........

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-39365511949811074652010-07-19T00:01:00.003+01:002010-07-19T00:09:05.124+01:00

I will be blogging shortly on all my thoughts around the coalition, what is going off in UNISON, the Labour party and the Leadership, and all things about equality. have had a long phase out again philosophising and taking a teacher training course whilst still being fortunate enough to be working and not having a 90 day redundancy notice despite the fact I work in public services unlike some of

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-87024410020313903252009-09-20T23:54:00.003+01:002009-09-20T23:54:12.251+01:00

UNISON News | The public service union | Local government workers accept pay offerPosted using ShareThis

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-16100815898427459062009-09-20T23:54:00.001+01:002009-09-20T23:54:11.921+01:00

UNISON News | The public service union | Local government workers accept pay offerPosted using ShareThis

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-30752977348544678922009-09-20T23:52:00.003+01:002009-09-20T23:52:40.633+01:00

UNISON News | The public service union | Congress condemns Israeli offensive on GazaPosted using ShareThis

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-73790474299613267992009-09-20T23:52:00.001+01:002009-09-20T23:52:40.287+01:00

UNISON News | The public service union | Congress condemns Israeli offensive on GazaPosted using ShareThis

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-6705608019626794762009-09-20T23:45:00.001+01:002009-09-20T23:46:57.334+01:00

See the truth behind the lies at UNISON Active.

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-45533704031590235082009-09-18T01:31:00.002+01:002009-09-18T01:37:15.953+01:00

The Times reported yesterday that UNISON and GMB are in talks again about a possible merger which would make them a super-union. This would bring the membership to about 2 million.

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-38615360375885207402009-09-18T01:16:00.004+01:002009-09-18T01:31:21.501+01:00

Alan Johnson has declared that he will refuse to share a platform with the BNP on BBC's Question Time. Good on him.Readmore in The GuardianI say No platform for the Fascists.

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-88337779463474542572009-09-08T14:25:00.005+01:002009-09-08T14:46:41.104+01:00

A white supremacist found guilty of planning a racist terror campaign involving home-made bombs has been given an indeterminate sentence, the BBC has reported. An Old Bailey judge said Neil Lewington, 43, from Reading, must serve at least six years in jail. He was a member of the National Front. Witnesses said that he told them he wanted the Ku Klux Klan brought back. The court heard Lewington

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-30736409204641965082009-09-08T01:29:00.000+01:002009-09-08T01:31:18.455+01:00

See here.

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-81369790708450688952009-09-07T23:40:00.003+01:002009-09-08T01:10:15.000+01:00

This year the Pride march took place under extremely heavy police protection -police helicopter flying over the centre of town, lots of riot police, the main march avenue was fenced off, smaller streets leading towards the avenue were fenced off too. As a result the protesters and also other people willing to observe were prevented getting anywhere close to the march. This was in complete

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-36464506706239221572009-09-07T01:36:00.004+01:002009-09-07T02:24:19.558+01:00

Well Michael Jackson has finally been buried. He has had so many funeral services, it is as if it is to make sure he is dead and that he was not going to rise. There are so many rumours about the circumstances around his life, his death, his health just before his death, the cause of his death, drug use - but why don't people just leave him alone. People speculate on whether he would have ever

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-6355153501444737082009-09-06T23:47:00.007+01:002009-12-30T01:48:43.903Z

In the UK, Pride is an event where lgbt people can get together and celebrate the fact they are lgbt and the advancements that we have achieved in gaining equality over the years. We can take a break from our campaigning and activism and have a party in a relatively safe and secure space with other lgbt people and our family and friends. By doing so we are protesting against the hetero-normative,

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-90681308434466577842009-09-06T19:19:00.005+01:002009-09-06T20:29:38.241+01:00

Following on my from my last post when I blogged about G7 and his apparent dislike of all things connected with the LGF. I refer back to his quote over the funding:"The LGF is a registered charity. In the year ending 2008, £623,103 of its income came from several NHS Primary Care Trusts. This represented around 55% of its total income of £1,122, 280 for that financial year."Therefore, 45% of

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-29406535112675247512009-09-06T17:31:00.005+01:002009-09-06T20:26:16.547+01:00

The lesbian and Gay foundation (LGF) Motto s 'Ending homophobia Empowering People'. They provide a holistic approach to health services and include tackling hate crime and homophobia as part of their agenda. They are a registered charity and produce an annual report and accounts.I was reading their 2008 / 2009 annual report and saw that they received£4000 (0.3%) Donor Supporters Scheme - via

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-31635054801142252882009-09-06T16:43:00.003+01:002009-09-06T17:19:02.447+01:00

Now that I am back to blogging, I have just got to get this little irritation off my chest. Since the amendments to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act came into force earlier this year which removed the need for providers offering fertility services such as IVF to take into account the need for a Father when considering the future welfare of the child, many LGBT organisations have been

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-70728505673031251202009-09-06T00:57:00.005+01:002009-09-06T17:21:28.325+01:00

The Parliamentary plenary sittings in Lithuania will start from 10th of September and the new amendments to criminalize "propagation of homosexual relations" will be put on vote.The amendments are:Amendment to the Penal Code (registered under number XIP-668(2))Inclusion of the new Article 310¹ . Promotion of homosexual relations in the public places1. A person promoting homosexual relations in

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-28329388178228276812009-09-05T21:46:00.010+01:002009-12-30T02:06:23.994Z

You know it's getting Winter, the nights draw closer, it's getting colder and damper, X-factor has started, Big Brother has ended, it doesn't stop raining up North, Blackpool Illuminations have been switched on and Pride and Carnival events have ended. This year my trail started early with what was supposed to be a recuperation trip to be looked after by my friend in Luton for my birthday. It

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-7930462489791798722009-09-05T21:33:00.004+01:002009-09-06T17:25:01.112+01:00

Leicester Pride took place today (5th September 2009) and went ahead without trouble that was expected following the homophobic posters that had been put up prior to the event taking place. The posters which appeared to be home-made and printed on A4 paper contained messages such as 'Capital punishment for gays' and 'God abhors gays'. They were placed on the local LGBT centre and around a small

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-55890496401539850282009-09-05T21:00:00.007+01:002009-09-06T17:25:44.515+01:00

Update on Budapest Pride from UK Gay NewsBUDAPEST, Sept 5, 2009In excess of 2,000 peopletook part in Budapest’s “Gay Dignity” march this afternoon.And there was not a protester in sight, thanks to a massive security operation in the Hungarian capital. Last month, neo-Nazi groups had promised to disrupt the gay parade.For photos see here http://ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/09/Sep/0501.htmThe featured

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-46021632046890519862009-09-05T20:33:00.006+01:002009-12-30T01:23:06.753Z

Dino Buffo the editor of Italy's newspaper of the Italian Bishops Conference Avvenire has resigned after "defamatory" media attacks which claimed he was gay. He had criticised Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi for his "immoral" lifestyle.In recent months Berlusconi has been alleged to have had extra-marital affairs which followed his wife Veronica Lario filing for divorce. He also was

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-4388623974489405552009-09-05T19:52:00.007+01:002009-12-30T01:22:05.170Z

22nd August: In the Gay Village in Rome, a man, fed up with a gay couple kissing, assaults them with a glass bottle and then tries to kill them with a knife. They are severely injured with one in hospital in a critical conditions. Initially the man gets reproached by the police, but not arrested. Then, after much pressures, he finally gets arrested.25th August: The LGBT club Muccassassina in Rome

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-36416004300852717732009-09-05T19:39:00.003+01:002009-09-06T17:29:01.522+01:00

There have been reports that HSBC Bank has been homophobic to an openly gay employee from Bangalore who has been an activist in India homophobically. HSBC is an international bank that claims to be the world's largest bank catering to every individual's needs but it is claimed not in the case of this gay person in India who has suffered harassment and intimidation.Activists in India are sending

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-67911059459051900262009-09-05T02:12:00.007+01:002009-09-06T17:29:43.459+01:00

Budapest Pride takes place today and solidarity goes to all who are attending. UK Gay News has reported that thirteen Embassies, including the UK representing countries on four continents, have issued a joint statement supporting Budapest Pride due to the protests that are expected. Movement for a Better Hungary (Jobbik) which is at the forefront of the homophobic protests working with other far

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-26777305188219270092009-09-05T01:03:00.007+01:002009-12-30T02:14:09.067Z

This year's World Outgames also included the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights and Workers Out in Copenhagen. Themed Love of Freedom – Freedom to Love, the conference had an abundance of speakers who were highly acclaimed international LGBT human rights activists, lawyers and politicians. .Amongst speakers were Thomas Hammarberg, Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-64592390567381322722009-09-05T00:45:00.006+01:002009-12-30T01:24:31.610Z

The ‘Rainbow Europe’ map has been produced by Ilga-Europe and reflects the legal situation for lgbt people in Europe such as protection from discrimination, recognition of LGB families and parenting rights, inclusion of sexual orientation in hate speech/crime legislation. The map also highlights areas of ‘Rainbow Europe’ where there is still criminalisation of consenting same-sex acts, unequal

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-53012232610711151272009-09-05T00:07:00.005+01:002009-09-05T02:58:50.927+01:00

There have been media reports coming out in India that say that the government will not oppose in the Supreme Court, the Delhi High Court Verdict on Section 377 of The India Penal Code. NDTV has said that it has exclusive information that in a note prepared by the Cabinet, the government will tell the Supreme Court that it doesn't find any legal error with the Delhi High Court ruling that read

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-30385509833583513302009-09-04T23:19:00.007+01:002009-12-30T02:17:01.876Z

It was a rocky ride all the way for Baltic Pride. After being giving the go ahead to proceed on May 16th, more than half of the members of the Rīga City Council – 34 in all – then signed a letter to the executive director of the city, Andris Grīnbergs, calling on him to repeal the permission “as the decision taken by the commission is in violation not only of the normative acts that are listed

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-28887572434999112992009-09-04T22:14:00.003+01:002009-12-30T01:27:36.242Z

This year I have suffered major 'Bloggers Block' despite major issues that I have wanted to write about. This started due to sufferng from 'adhesive capsulitis' which to us lay people is frozen shoulder. But now I am back to doing somersaults and handstands and thus from hereon Back to Blogging

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-41875763370888728382009-06-16T20:11:00.001+01:002009-06-16T20:11:41.460+01:00

UNISON News | The public service union | No compromise on equalityPosted using ShareThis

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-83032005835726752682009-06-04T19:35:00.000+01:002009-06-04T19:37:32.858+01:00

Still about two and a half hours of voting to go. Still time to get out and vote as well as time to ring up a few family and friends and remind them of the importance of as many people voting as possible to keep out the fascist BNP who have a real chance of gaining a seat.We need as many people to get out and vote as possible to keep the dascists out!

Craig Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15041142601074251914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-32612468667564103272008-12-20T23:07:00.002Z2008-12-20T23:14:40.270Z

Read Andrew's post on Jon's union blog.

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-1182969296731233552008-07-23T22:58:00.004+01:002008-07-23T23:22:50.563+01:00

The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) have granted consultative status to two groups that work on sexual orientation and gender identity which is a victory in the ongoing struggle for inclusion at the UN.The two groups approved on July 21 and 22, 2008 are COC Netherlands and the State Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Transexuals and Bisexuals of Spain (FELGTB), national

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-4504936996598029142008-07-23T22:38:00.004+01:002008-07-23T22:57:29.596+01:00

An Athens court has dismissed the lawsuit accusing an LGBT rights group of demeaning the people of the Aegean island of Lesbos by purloining the word Lesbian, a term islanders have used to name themselves for centuries.The lawsuit was brought by three islanders from Lesbos, home of the ancient poet Sappho, who praised love between women. The island is a popular holiday destination for lesbians.

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-36730308246374345432008-07-18T01:28:00.003+01:002008-07-18T01:39:46.900+01:00

Celebrate Mandela the man and the movement he represents. Sign the birthday card pledge for democracy, justice and rights for southern Africa. Visit ACTSA's website.And remember the 11th Fenbruary 1990 and what you were doing when this great man at the age of 71 walked to freedom after so many years wrongfully imprisoned by an aparthied regime.

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-30401511054055840562008-07-17T17:55:00.001+01:002008-07-17T18:09:39.250+01:00

Union Futures has posted on the next steps saying that with the loss in pay local government employers now have to make an offer of 3.25%. But inflation is 3.8%. Our claim is 6% or 50p whichever is the greater.

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-90021682352041696192008-07-17T17:43:00.003+01:002008-07-17T18:03:53.616+01:00

I attended the rally in Blackpool today which was a really good turn out despite the pouring rain. It also seemed that less people turned up for work. Yesterday though there was an incident with a picket when she was clipped by a car and the police had to be called. Today a contractor going into the council told us to get a proper job and then when we shouted back at him that we have, he rang the

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-23040735846274653632008-07-16T19:08:00.002+01:002008-07-16T19:11:25.737+01:00

Blackpool Strike Rally 11am Thursday 17th July 2008 Outside Blackpool Town Hall Talbot Square

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-58457167080699164762008-07-16T18:40:00.005+01:002008-07-16T21:52:36.159+01:00

As we enter the second day of strike action, the first day seems to have gone well with massive disruption if media coverage and local reports from our members is anything to go by. My local council was completely closed to the public. I work in Blackpool as a homelessness prevention officer and we had a fair share of members and non-members not coming into work. We are holding a rally outside

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-47707378289254476122008-07-16T18:31:00.003+01:002008-07-16T18:40:23.724+01:00

As co-chairs of UNISON's LGBT committee, myself and Craig Nelson, expressed the committee's support and solidarity to all members in local government taking part in the industrial action. We said 'Our members cannot be expected to continue to accept pay cuts with rising inflation and living costs. We urge our LGBT members within local government to be "all out" on the 16th and 17th July and to

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-30056031649752724162008-07-16T18:16:00.002+01:002008-07-16T18:31:13.609+01:00

Lillian Ladele, the Islington registrar refused to register same sex civil registered partnerships because she believes that Gods Law says that a union should be between a man and a woman for a life. I wonder how many heterosexual divorcees she registered. In the evidence given to the tribunal, one of her duties included renewal of vows. I know many heterosexual couples who renew their vows

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-18588663804215686062008-07-13T14:53:00.003+01:002008-07-13T14:59:52.208+01:00

Just had a thought. The HFEB being debated at the moment with it's third reading on the 14th July in the Commons seeks to amend the Births and Deaths Registrations legislation to permit female same sex partners to be registered as the parents on birth certificates where the child has been born via IVF procedures. Will the Islington ruling therefore allow registrars from opting out of registering

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-42562128641094707552008-07-13T13:26:00.002+01:002008-07-13T13:48:45.576+01:00

I am still reeling over the findings of the Employment Tribunal in Ladele v London Borough of Islington. Ladele was a registrar who found that her religious beliefs as an othodox Christian were not comptible with performing civil registrations. She complained to the Tribunal which unanimously founf that she had been directly discriminated against on the grounds of religion and belief, that she

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-72735352237369925082008-07-13T13:21:00.002+01:002008-07-13T13:26:46.596+01:00

I have been quiet over the last week. Work and UNISON has been busy what with the strike coming up. There are so many things I want to blog about so you might see trickles over the coming days (or not) on such topics like these:Ladele v Islington Employment Tribunal rulingLGBT AsylumBoris and PrideRay LewisTatchell and HarmanTUC LGBT Conference, UNISON Labour Link, PridesReggae music

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-85428323449461224902008-06-26T01:57:00.001+01:002008-06-26T01:59:17.292+01:00

Anne Alexander looks at whether Labour can dig itself out of its funding hole. Lord Levy calls for reform of party funding.Watch here.

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-76907607119017321292008-06-26T00:26:00.005+01:002008-06-29T17:06:38.624+01:00

Alan Sugar has not ruled out standing for Mayor of London in 2012. The Amstrad chairman and star of The Apprentice speaks to Vanessa Feltz on BBC London 94.9. A Labour Party supporter, he has been called into the office by Gordon Brown on a number of occasions to advise on business issues. Labour’s biggest individual cash donation in 2001 was £200,000 from Sir Alan Sugar.We know though that he is

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-51495420373217491222008-06-26T00:06:00.002+01:002008-06-26T00:15:11.188+01:00

Today the Equalities Minister is due to announce the provisions of the long awaited Single Equalities Bill. The BBC reports that age discrimination and equal pay will feature and there will be a ban on secrecy clauses allowing employees to discuss their salaries. I particularly am also interested in what is proposed about positive duties and whether they are to be extended across all equality

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-2785924454751239492008-06-24T23:21:00.004+01:002008-06-24T23:48:11.465+01:00

Watch the ad here that they pulled after receiving 200 complaints that it was offensive and inappropriate. The ads shows two gay men one of whom is preparing the packed lunch and 'their childen' call mum. The other is going out to work. Well that's the Yanks for you. Then the men share a goodbye kiss as one goes off to the work and the other stays at home to do the housewifey bit. The Heinz Deli

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-91309223573509207392008-06-24T21:52:00.002+01:002008-06-24T22:21:31.136+01:00

Today there was a joint TUC / Government conference on Workplace Equality Representatives. Theses are the ones for which UNISON has secured funding from the union modernisation fund to run a pilot scheme. Part of this is to try and convince the Government that equlity reps need statutory time off. Reported on UNISON's website, "UNISON has pledged to work with the government to further expand the

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-41536644301050674552008-06-24T21:22:00.006+01:002008-06-24T21:51:58.852+01:00

Well 55% of UNISON members working in Local Government who voted in the ballot, voted for sustained industrial action. I was one of the 55% and I know many of my colleagues who have not been keen on losing a chunk of their salary before also voted YES because they are fed up with below inflation pay rises. One of my colleagues said that her gas bills had increased so much that she was paying

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-7155553900989427672008-06-22T23:04:00.010+01:002008-06-23T03:41:07.322+01:00

We ask has racism really been given the red card when we see that Paul Ince has been appointed as manager of premier league footbal club, Blackburn Rovers? But the fact that he is the first Black English manager in the Premier League shows that we have a long way to go to kick racism out of football.Jean Tigana born in Mali but played extensively in France managed Fulham and Ruud Gullit from the

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-25301425139328324002008-06-22T17:26:00.003+01:002008-06-29T16:54:54.185+01:00

BBC NW Politics Show feature on the EU directive on anti-discrimination including specific reference to sexual orientation and interview with ILGA-Europe. Arlene McCarthy Labour MEP speaks in support.

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-14142054778296104402008-06-22T01:03:00.003+01:002008-06-22T01:12:02.571+01:00

Stonewall have just produced a report Serves Your Right – Lesbian and Gay Peoples expectations of Discrimination. In December 2007 they commissioned YouGov to survey a sample of 1,658 lesbian, gay and bisexual people across Britain. They open the report with a quote from Alan Johnson Secretary of State for Health;“Genuine equality will not be achieved by providing the same service for everyone;

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-81795347925653898042008-06-21T22:47:00.004+01:002008-06-22T03:38:53.699+01:00

What I said about rule amendment 5 - Disabled Members Officer :"Louise Ashworth National LGBT Delegate and a disabled member opposing this rule amendment.The LGBT group have not taken the decision to oppose another self-organised group lightly.But this rule amendment is not about disabled members self-organisation – it is about branch organisation, about equalities in general and about member

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-20391256546318273542008-06-21T22:25:00.004+01:002008-06-21T22:47:12.803+01:00

The motion on Women into Public Lfe at UNISON's National Delegate Conference although high up on the last day of business was sadly not reached. The SOGs had asked for this to be the theme of a fringe meeting and were told that ther might be a guest speaker instead. But we did not get a guest speaker on the topic, nor did we get a fringe and in fact all the guest speakers at conference were

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-48871603016002987782008-06-21T22:00:00.005+01:002008-06-21T22:25:35.378+01:00

At National Delegate Conference, a motion on Organising was debated which referred to the new Equality Reps Pilot Scheme. UNISON secured funding from the union modernisation fund to enable the development of the workplace equality representatives project. UNISON has always argued for statutory recognition for equality representatives and it is hoped that the success of this project and similar

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-85120150933753448232008-06-21T21:35:00.004+01:002008-06-21T21:59:20.587+01:00

As a LGBT person I can tell you exactly what I have got for my money from New Labour: an equal age of consent an end to discrimination against my partner for immigration purposesthe right to adopt childrenthe scrapping of Section 28 (Clause 2a in Scotland)the banning of discrimination in the workplace and in vocational training with the introduction of the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation)

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-15895561788058685732008-06-21T21:08:00.004+01:002008-06-26T00:16:23.935+01:00

A survey carried out by the Medical Reasearch Council has found that 40% of Gay Men with undiagnosed HIV infection presume that they were HIV negative. The study also found that risky sexual behaviour was more common among men who were aware of their HIV-positive status than among men who were undiagnosed or HIV negative; even more so in those who had been HIV positive longest.About 2,700 gay men

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-20838583786227041782008-06-21T19:02:00.007+01:002008-06-21T21:06:43.597+01:00

After months of campaigning the European Commission announced that it will be proposing a horizontal directive on anti-discrimination covering all the grounds. This confirmed by Commissioner Barroso himself during a meeting with a Social Platform delegation. Barroso had also called two MEPs, Kathalijne Buiteweg and Michael Cashman to tell them about the decision. The text of the directive itself

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-87004285088020421962008-06-21T01:58:00.004+01:002008-06-22T03:26:51.571+01:00

I am going to blog more later about why the the LGBT group decided to oppose the NDMC rule amendment to introduce a branch disabled members officer. But I just wanted to put therecord straight to something that was raised in the right of reply. The NDMC delegate said that there had been full consultation with the other self organised groups. This is untrue. Prior to the rule amendment being

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-47585028971189969602008-06-21T01:51:00.002+01:002008-06-21T01:57:43.620+01:00

The UK faces two great challenges, Equality and Human Rights Commission chair Trevor Phillips told conference: "How we live with our planet, and how we live with each other."It is this second that concerns the commission, he said, pointing out that the new super watchdog was charged with being "the conscience of our nation".It was a duty it would not shirk from, Mr Phillips said. Like UNISON and

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-77865513079786772852008-06-21T01:24:00.003+01:002008-06-21T01:49:29.434+01:00

Sue Highton, a nurse from Sheffield, has become the leading lay officer of public service union UNISON after being elected president for 2008-9 at the first national executive council meeting following the union’s national delegate conference in Brighton.She succeeds Norma Stephenson a mental helth worker from Teesside.Born and brought up in Sheffield, Sue's first job was in a local Woolworth's;

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-41457801570384364322008-06-21T00:50:00.002+01:002008-06-21T01:06:51.134+01:00

Pink News have reported that Mark Pritchard Tory MP or Telford and Wrekin has claimed that gender reassignment is a matter of choice. Aceessing gender reassignment surgery is already difficult and as one of UNISON's Trans members recently said " until we can get full and equal access across the uK from the NHS it is a post code lottery. Trans people will continue to have to relocate to access

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-53568925912125315382008-06-21T00:17:00.004+01:002008-06-26T00:18:17.787+01:00

Angry delegates today agreed to withdraw UNISON's financial support from the GLA-organised RISE festival, in protest at Boris Johnson's decision to drop the festival's anti-racist message. RISE was originally established by the TUC, as a dedication to the memory of Stephen Lawrence and other black citizens who have suffered from racism. It has since become the largest anti-racist festival in

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-29135979514168141912008-06-21T00:14:00.001+01:002008-06-21T00:14:53.858+01:00

Watch here

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-24337317621298488782008-06-21T00:13:00.001+01:002008-06-21T00:13:46.782+01:00

Watch here

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-32858324997186321182008-06-21T00:05:00.003+01:002008-06-21T01:13:02.531+01:00

Prentis issues battle warning. Read here.Watch here.For views see Jon's union blog and Union Futures.

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-72672051118781989222008-06-21T00:02:00.001+01:002008-06-21T00:04:04.486+01:00

Watch here

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-49115557165756968942008-06-21T00:00:00.001+01:002008-06-21T00:01:30.331+01:00

Union Futures

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-24819235734444334762008-06-20T23:38:00.003+01:002008-06-21T01:24:38.956+01:00

Opening of ConferenceThe annual report Gun and Knife CrimeDefending the minimum wageShared servicesDiversity is not the problemGeneral Secretary's AddressViolence and aggression against staffSupport for Vulnerable WorkersCelebrate and Defending the NHSDefending In-house servicesEqual Pay fundingWidening Wealth GapMarketisation ThreatTeaching AssistantsSolidarity with Southern AfricaGaza Siege

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-29393451269339491322008-06-20T23:26:00.004+01:002008-06-20T23:35:01.668+01:00

BBC News.Chancellor Alistair Darling also said the above-inflation pay deal was due to "particular problems" confined to the tanker dispute. "Settlements overall over the last 12 months are around 3.5% which is consistent with our inflation target," Mr Darling told the BBC. His comments come a day after the latest UK inflation data showed the annual rate rose to 3.3% in May, up from 3% in April

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-19565139604618409002008-06-15T22:59:00.002+01:002008-06-15T23:04:19.384+01:00

Carry on CampaigningApprentices welcome but...Warning Over Shared ServicesGet InvolvedWe'll fight tooth and nail for services

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-27777459508970346882008-06-15T12:24:00.002+01:002008-06-15T12:27:47.147+01:00

Union FuturesDon't forget to keep up to date with what Jon Rogers is saying.

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-19728460366995526382008-06-15T11:57:00.006+01:002008-06-15T12:21:25.215+01:00

UNISON Conference Season has finally arrived. At the moment service groups conference are being held and no doubt there will be lots of debate at Local Government Conference on pensions and the pay offer. Equalities features highly with motions on the single equality act, public duties, local area agreements and the race equality duty, lgbt rights at work and women in local government.National

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-73739122543763720132008-06-15T11:56:00.000+01:002008-06-15T11:57:15.669+01:00

Watch here

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-49237236694746535382008-06-15T11:41:00.000+01:002008-06-15T11:41:08.189+01:00

Craig's LGBT Blog: Pastoral letter from Bishop Andrus regarding same sex marriage in California

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-87637927585682217352008-06-15T11:27:00.002+01:002008-06-15T11:34:56.331+01:00

Traditionalists in the Anglican Church have been angered by reports that two gay clergymen have exchanged vows in a version of a marriage ceremony. The service, at St Bartholomew the Great Church in the City of London last month, used formal rites and was said to be the first in the Anglican Church. The event has no legal status but critics say it flouted guidelines.The Reverend Peter Cowell and

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-85627390314877798622008-06-14T23:58:00.004+01:002008-06-15T00:16:33.237+01:00

Pro-smoking v pro-terrorist that is Hamish Guy Fawkes Howitt's message. Blackpool's smoking ban rebel landlord has revealed he is to take on resigning Tory MP David Davis and stand for parliament. Hamish Howitt, who owns two pubs on Rigby Road, Blackpool, has consistently campaigned against the smoking ban and allowed customers to smoke in one of his bars since the ban came in last July. And he

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-60698675687341941382008-06-14T22:38:00.006+01:002008-06-15T22:59:04.685+01:00

Unite the union which still which boasts 2 million voices reports that talks have broken down between Shell tanker drivers and Haver and Suckling. "Shell's failure to intervene in this dispute means that Shell's drivers have no alternative other than to go ahead with strike action, beginning on Friday June 13th, 2008. This dispute could have been resolved if Shell had advanced a fraction of the

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-84888132914190752142008-06-14T22:18:00.003+01:002008-06-14T22:38:07.867+01:00

The European Commission has announced it will bring forward an all inclusive anti-discrimination Directive. The European Commission had made a significant decision to bring forward a horizontal Directive combating discrimination in access to services and goods on grounds of disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief and age. The European Parliament's Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-57119445143102945062008-06-07T17:55:00.005+01:002008-06-07T18:13:12.005+01:00

Hilary Clinton endorses Barack Obama and says the democrats need to put all their strength behind him to get him elected as the next President of the US. After saying that her supporters need to help Barack Obama get elected as the President, she then talks about the barriers that women still face implying that this may have affected her success. She says that this time the highest glass

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-76482804963057315732008-06-07T17:33:00.000+01:002008-06-07T17:33:06.025+01:00

Lou's Blog: Putting her Straight!Police to investigate Iris Robinson over comments

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-43300028637925591712008-06-07T13:47:00.005+01:002008-06-07T14:18:11.024+01:00

Today is Warsaw Pride and the British Embassy is to fly a rainbow flag. Last week the Britsh Embassy in Riga flew a rainbow flag for the Equality March. Read more at Pink News. The Equality March in Riga had been threatened with disruption from the far right and at some stage there was also the possibility that it may have been banned. See here for a letter that has been sent to the authorites in

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-28095521139064984972008-06-07T13:26:00.002+01:002008-06-07T13:41:22.866+01:00

Barack declares himself the presidential candidate.Hilary at first makes no decisions but then finally decides to formally end her marathon bid to become the United States' first woman president. She will use a party for campaign staff and supporters to suspend her 16-month campaign to become the Democratic Party's nominee.She is expected to throw both her election machinery and support behind

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-57667813615736821932008-06-07T13:08:00.002+01:002008-06-07T13:21:33.629+01:00

Iris Robinson DUP MP who is Chair of the Stormont Health Committee has said that with help gay people can be "turned around". She said on Radio Ulster that "I have a very lovely psychiatrist who works with me in my offices and his Christian background is that he tries to help homosexuals - trying to turn away from what they are engaged in," and "I'm happy to put any homosexual in touch with this

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-50394811989880450582008-06-04T00:09:00.002+01:002008-06-04T00:14:17.394+01:00

Jimmy Carter to endorse Obama. BBC News.

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-9287785655388072282008-06-03T23:46:00.003+01:002008-06-04T00:08:40.837+01:00

The Audacity of Hope is certainly what has got Barack where he is now.In his speech addressing the Democratic National Convention in 2004, Obama said:In the end, that's what this election is about. Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or a politics of hope? John Kerry calls on us to hope. John Edwards calls on us to hope. I'm not talking about blind optimism here -- the almost willful

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-78858458132791133822008-06-03T20:57:00.003+01:002008-06-03T21:08:19.530+01:00

Illinois senator Barack Obama has effectively clinched the Democratic nomination according to the Associated Press, having won enough superdelegate commitments to put him over the edge after the polls close in two final states tonight. Meanwhile, Clinton told New York politicians today that she would be willing to join Obama's ticket as the vice presidential candidate, the AP reported. An AP

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-24762835200342279012008-06-01T23:06:00.002+01:002008-06-01T23:33:48.075+01:00

Following the recent debates on the removal of the clause of the need for a father in the UK, this case which I have blogged about earlier is interesting. On 28th May 2008 the California Supreme Court started hearing the case of a Lesbian who claims she denied fertility treatment by Christian Fundamentalist Doctors on the rounds of her sexual orientation. She is represented by Lambda Legal. The

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-41997897738663350752008-05-27T01:32:00.001+01:002008-05-28T21:23:51.519+01:00

Read here

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8409758411579090702.post-54083257994091434962008-05-26T01:51:00.006+01:002008-05-26T04:43:07.697+01:00

Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding said he would not allow gays in his Cabinet. He told BBC television he has the right to make that decision and to form a Cabinet that represents the Jamaican people. Jamaica will not allow outside groups to impose their values, he said on Monday while on an official visit to London. The Jamaican Observer both reports on the interview and responds to the "

Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870690431792657834noreply@blogger.com0