Sexual Orientation, Transexuality and Transgenderism Equality Policy Statement and Legislation

We recognise the discrimination faced by lesbians and gay men. We are committed to giving equal access to our services, and equal treatment to people who use our services and to our employees who are lesbian or gay, bisexual and transgender. We will take positive action to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people feel safe in being open about their sexual identity. We also recognise their right to be private about their sexuality. We will respect the right of individuals to be open or otherwise about their own sexual orientation and will recognise the right of employees to live in their chosen re-assigned gender and respect their preferred identity.

We will work with the Police, partner agencies and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender forum to tackle homophobic crimes in the city and develop specific services where needed. We accept that a key task is to actively assist the development of a workforce culture such that lesbians, gays and the transcommunity can be free from harrassment and feel safe.

Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003

We have a responsibility to promote equal opportunities in employment and vocational training on the grounds of their sexual orientation.

Gender Recognition Act 2004

This Act allows transsexual people who have taken decisive steps to live fully and permanently in their acquired gender to gain legal recognition in that gender. It gives them the right, from the date of recognition, to marry in their acquired gender and be given birth certificates that recognise the acquired gender. They will be able to get benfits just like anyone else of that gender.

Civil Partnership Act 2005

This law allows same sex couples to legally register their relationship.