Government must not backtrack on equality

Lorely Burt MP

The government must not renege on its promise for equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual people, the Liberal Democrats have warned ahead of an important debate tomorrow in the House of Lords. The Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) ensure that people in Northern Ireland will be protected against discriminatory practice based on someone's sexual orientation in their everyday lives, specifically with regards to the provision of goods and services.

Lorely Burt MP said, "It is imperative that the government stand firm in their commitment to equality for all. There have been a lot of misleading reports about the effect these regulations will have. It is simply not true that schools will be forced to promote homosexuality, or that proprietors of small, home-run guesthouses will have to offer accommodation to homosexual couples. But the changes are necessary measures to end unfair discrimination. Hospitals, for example, should not be allowed to refuse care for someone because of their sexuality."