The TUC Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Trans Conference voted instruct its committee to condemn the dilution and dismantling of The Equality Act on the eve of Pride. The Conference also voted for this emergency motion to be debated at the TUC Annual General Conference in October. Delegates slammed the Government’s removal of sections on social inequality, the systematic weakening of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the decision not to make demands of public bodies employing fewer than 150 staff within the public sector duty and any further threats to The Act that stem from the the Government’s own Red Tape Watch website.
On the subject of Pride, the Conference welcomed Tony Hughes as the new chair of Pride. While he lambasted Westminster Council for turning down a bail out offer that emerged from Gaydar Radio and Smirnoff Vodka, union delegates were urged to celebrate Pride as a political event despite their obvious and justified disappointment