Equality Bill "Leaves door open for homophobia"
Bill promises "equality for all... except for Gay and Lesbian people."

Greens have attacked the Government's "complete lack of political will to tackle homophobia", as Equality Bill reaches its second reading, still excluding Gay rights.

Darren Johnson, openly Gay Green London Assembly Member, comments: " The Government thinks it acceptable for Gay and Lesbian people to continue as second class citizens.

"The so-called "Equality" Bill, leaves the door open for Gays to be banned from hotels, discriminated against at university and by insurance companies. Moreover it even exempts public bodies from the duty to protect Gay and Lesbian people's rights.

"The Government has once again denied Gay and Lesbian people the opportunity to fully integrate into society. This is completely unacceptable. We are calling for nothing less than full social and legal equality for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community."

Notes to editors

(1) The Equality Bill is scheduled for its Second Reading in the House of Commons.
(2) Clause 47 of the Equality Bill prohibits harassment of a person because of their religious belief. and Clauses 49 and 51 ban discrimination against religious minorities in housing and education. Clause 48 bans discrimination in the provision of goods and services on the grounds of religion. No mention of LGBT rights is made in these clauses.