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http://uk.gay.com/headlines/9365
The date for new laws that could protect lesbian and gay people from discrimination has been announced, to the delight of campaigners.
The planned implementation date will be October 2006, the government says, surprising campaigners who thought the date would be much later.
The laws will outlaw discrimination in the goods and services sector and will be part of the Equality Bill, which is currently progressing through parliament.
Protection for lesbian and gay people was only included after pressure from gay rights groups and peers including Lord Waheed Alli, who said the protections would be necessary.
Despite being initially resistant to changing the bill, the government finally accepted the amendments in the autumn.
If passed, the laws will mean the end to lesbian and gay people being refused service in hotels and B&Bs, as well as close loopholes in other service providers.
The laws will also protect religious minorities.
Public consultation is expected to begin early in the new year, with the laws expected to be passed without a problem in parliament.
“We’re extremely pleased that Ministers have agreed to introduce these urgently needed measures swiftly,” said Ben Summerskill, Stonewall chief executive.
“It sends a clear message that the Government takes protection of gay people seriously and is no longer prepared to allow them to receive second class treatment from services such as the NHS.”
He said campaigners should “continue to press for the new regulations to be both robust and comprehensive”.
A truth told with bad intent
Beats all the lies you can invent
-William Blake
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