Tatchell slams Harman for Equality bill snub
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hXXp://news.pinkpaper.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=1703
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has publicly slammed deputy Leader of the Labour party, Harriet Harman, for failing to address his concerns about the Equality Bill.
Two months ago, Tatchell formally addressed three main aspects of the forthcoming legislation - harassment clause exclusions, protections for gender reassignment and faith school exemption – in a letter to Harman's office.
Yet, despite reminders and an additional response request from PinkPaper.com, the questions remain unanswered.
"The government is ignoring all requests to explain why its Equality Bill explicitly denies lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people protection against harassment," he said.
"Protection is offered on the grounds of race, gender and disability, but not on the grounds of sexual orientation or transgender identity. Why are we excluded? It is time Labour gave us an explanation.
"I wrote to the Minister for Women & Equalities, Harriet Harman, nearly two months ago. Despite reminders, she has failed to offer any answers. Her stonewalling is disrespectful and disappointing. It is an insult to the whole lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to refuse to explain why we are excluded from this legislation.
"These exclusions are not accidental omissions. They are explicitly written into the Equality Bill."
At the time of going to press, Harman's office failed to comment.
This is from the Labour party that claims to be the only party that cares about GLBTs.
You may have read some of my rants on Labour and their bullshit civil unions.
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Rant on brother!!!! Keep their feet to the fire and make them CARE!!!! We can never stop the fight and sometimes must force issues!!!!
