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UK To Enact LGBT Civil Rights Law
by Peter Moore, 365Gay.com London Bureau
http://365gay.com/Newscon06/03/031306ukEqual.htm
(London) The British government on Monday announced plans to enact a civil rights law banning discrimination against gays, lesbians, and transsexuals in bars, hotels and restaurants.
It is already illegal in the UK to discriminated against members of the LGBT community in jobs and services.
The expansion of the Equality Act was announced Monday by Trade and Industry Secretary Alan Johnson.
"It's easy to forget how far we have come in the past eight years. We have repealed clause 28, equalized the age of consent for gay men and introduced civil partnerships. Now we are going even further," Johnson told reporters in London.
"Too often, gay and lesbian people can face discrimination in their everyday lives. I want to make sure that no one gets refused a room at a hotel or a table in a restaurant because of their sexuality.
Johnson said the legislation would be introduced in the House of Commons in October following public hearings.
He said that the government wants to hear from faith-based organizations which may seek exemptions and from the medical establishment on whether clinics for gays and lesbians should be allowed to continue to target their services.
But, Johnson also had a warning for owners of gay clubs and bars.
Under the new law it will be illegal to discriminate against straights. Currently many gay clubs have stated policies, usually enforced by doormen, excluding non gays. Clubs catering exclusively to gay men would have to allow in lesbians and straights of both sexes he said.
That has raised concerns by some in the gay community who say it could be used by gay bashers to target customers.
©365Gay.com 2006
(\\__/) And if you don't believe The sun will rise
(='.'=) Stand alone and greet The coming night
(")_(") In the last remaining light. (C. Cornell)
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UK To Enact LGBT Civil Rights Law 
