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Major LGBT equality consultation launched in Scotland

Besi Besemar November 28, 2012

Tom French

Scottish LGBT equality charity, the Equality Network has launched a major consultation on the future priorities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality in Scotland.

The Time for Change consultation will be the biggest survey of LGBT people to date with thousands expected to take part.

The results will be used to inform the Scottish Government and public bodies of the issues that matter to LGBT people, so that they can prioritise their work in tackling prejudice, discrimination and disadvantage.

You can respond to the Time for Change consultation online at:

Survey

The Equality Network are also holding a series of 19 consultation events that are taking place in communities across every region of Scotland from Dumfries to Shetland, the Scottish Borders to the Western Isles.

Tom French, Policy Coordinator for the Equality Network, said:

“This is an important opportunity for LGBT people to let the Scottish Government and other decision-makers know what issues matter to them, and what needs to be done to tackle prejudice and discrimination. It’s vital that anyone who has a view on LGBT equality responds to the Time for Change consultation.”

He continued:

“This a crucial time to influence the way public bodies deal with LGBT equality issues.  Public bodies including the Scottish Government, local authorities, the NHS, Police and schools are currently developing ‘equality outcomes’ to meet their obligations under the Equality Act 2010 (Specific duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012. Under the new law public bodies have to set out how they intend to eliminate discrimination and advance equality of opportunity, including LGBT equality.”

The Equality Network will use the results of the Time for Change consultation to set its priorities for the next few years. The charity bases all of its work on the priorities of LGBT people, and the results of previous consultations have informed the Equality Network’s work on issues including equal marriage rights, hate crime, gender recognition, adoption and fostering rights, civil partnership, the repeal of Section 28 and an equal age of consent, amongst other improvements to the lives of LGBT people.

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