PUBLISHED 15 JULY 2006
The Equality Network was formed in 1997 to campaign for equality for members of the LGBT communities. It has been involved in many of the most dramatic lobbying battles of the devolved Scottish parliament, working alongside other groups to challenge Section 28 and support the introduction of the Civil Partnership Bill. Its 'Manifesto for the New Scotland', published in 1999, clearly identified an agenda for change and equal rights. Many of the manifesto's suggestions have been adopted and the Equality Network has proved itself as an important voice for the promotion of LGBT rights.
In spite of these successes and the work of the Scottish Executive to make inclusive legislation a fundamental concern, the Network acknowledges that there is still room for improvement. The eighth annual conference, entitled 'Brave New World', brought together members of LGBT organisations from across Scotland as well as interested individuals from all walks of life. The day saw discussion of issues ranging from adoption and fostering to the dialogue between religious belief and sexual orientation in the light of recent legislation.
After a series of brief introductory speeches, which sketched out the progress that has been made during the past five years and identified a few of the challenges, the day consisted of a series of 'Open Space' discussion groups. The content of the discussions was decided by delegates themselves, focusing on specific areas of concern and aiming to discover what they hoped to achieve by 2011, the end of the next Scottish parliamentary term.
The diversity of the subjects on offer was an expression of the breadth of delegates in attendance. By encouraging movement between discussion groups, and with the emphasis on developing statements of intent, the conference created a positive atmosphere that allowed many different perspectives to be included. The atmosphere was friendly, sociable and informal, and all of the groups were working towards promoting equality and inclusive dialogue.
The provision of health care for members of the LGBT communities was a frequent topic, with NHS funding for transsexuals and IVF for same-sex couples under particular scrutiny. There was exploration of LGBT families, both in terms of existing legislation and the problems of current social definitions of next of kin and what a family consists of. The impact on LGBT people of poverty, media representation and education was also examined. In all of these areas, the importance of specific awareness regarding LGBT needs was highlighted and concern was expressed that anti-discriminatory legislation should not lead to the ending of services aimed at specific groups.
There was, however, a great deal of optimism: Scotland's status as a leader in human rights was identified and the possibility of increased open dialogue with other interest groups and communities was welcomed. Overall, there was a strong sense that Scotland has made some positive moves forward, and that the future promises further improvements.
The conference was concluded by a speech from Hilary Third of the Scottish Executive Equality Unit and a brief summary of the various points raised in the forums. Ms Third's speech stressed that the Executive saw the achievement of true equality as a partnership process, and although there was much to be proud of in the post-devolution programme, there was still work to be done.
The Equality Network hopes to create a manifesto from their consultation, and it's not too late to register opinions. Their website invites comments and contributions, and includes a great deal more information about their activities and campaigning. From the evidence of 'Brave New World', it serves as an articulate voice and a locus for community activism, promoting a strong and positive approach to engendering change and the extension of human rights.
In spite of these successes and the work of the Scottish Executive to make inclusive legislation a fundamental concern, the Network acknowledges that there is still room for improvement. The eighth annual conference, entitled 'Brave New World', brought together members of LGBT organisations from across Scotland as well as interested individuals from all walks of life. The day saw discussion of issues ranging from adoption and fostering to the dialogue between religious belief and sexual orientation in the light of recent legislation.
After a series of brief introductory speeches, which sketched out the progress that has been made during the past five years and identified a few of the challenges, the day consisted of a series of 'Open Space' discussion groups. The content of the discussions was decided by delegates themselves, focusing on specific areas of concern and aiming to discover what they hoped to achieve by 2011, the end of the next Scottish parliamentary term.
The diversity of the subjects on offer was an expression of the breadth of delegates in attendance. By encouraging movement between discussion groups, and with the emphasis on developing statements of intent, the conference created a positive atmosphere that allowed many different perspectives to be included. The atmosphere was friendly, sociable and informal, and all of the groups were working towards promoting equality and inclusive dialogue.
The provision of health care for members of the LGBT communities was a frequent topic, with NHS funding for transsexuals and IVF for same-sex couples under particular scrutiny. There was exploration of LGBT families, both in terms of existing legislation and the problems of current social definitions of next of kin and what a family consists of. The impact on LGBT people of poverty, media representation and education was also examined. In all of these areas, the importance of specific awareness regarding LGBT needs was highlighted and concern was expressed that anti-discriminatory legislation should not lead to the ending of services aimed at specific groups.
There was, however, a great deal of optimism: Scotland's status as a leader in human rights was identified and the possibility of increased open dialogue with other interest groups and communities was welcomed. Overall, there was a strong sense that Scotland has made some positive moves forward, and that the future promises further improvements.
The conference was concluded by a speech from Hilary Third of the Scottish Executive Equality Unit and a brief summary of the various points raised in the forums. Ms Third's speech stressed that the Executive saw the achievement of true equality as a partnership process, and although there was much to be proud of in the post-devolution programme, there was still work to be done.
The Equality Network hopes to create a manifesto from their consultation, and it's not too late to register opinions. Their website invites comments and contributions, and includes a great deal more information about their activities and campaigning. From the evidence of 'Brave New World', it serves as an articulate voice and a locus for community activism, promoting a strong and positive approach to engendering change and the extension of human rights.
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