Shadow equalities minister pledges equalisation of hate crime law

Taiwo Owatemi MP, the shadow minister for women and equalities, and herself a UNISON member, spoke to the union’s LGBT+ conference virtually this afternoon (pictured), taking the opportunity to announce that a future Labour government would equalise hate-crime legislation to ensure that all such crimes see sentencing affected by the motive. The trained pharmacist whose worked in the NHS, thanked UNISON members for all they’ve done during the pandemic. And she looked back at the important role played by trade unions organising for LGBT+ equality. However, she stressed that there is still inequality. For example, Ms Owatemi cited research has shown that it is more difficult for LGBT+ people to take time off work for family-related issues, while public services that are ‘lifelines’ to LGBT+ – such as advice lines, HIV/Aids testing, LGBT+ youth workers and more – are being cut by the government. In a Q&A session, she also reiterated her faith in the parliamentary system, noting that the faults of the present government do not mean that it is an inherently bad system. In debates today, Neil Adams, speaking on behalf of the disabled caucus, introduced a motion stressing that working from home can be a reasonable adjustment. Graeme Ellis from the national disabled members’ committee noted: “It is important that the right to work from home is properly funded.” And he highlighted how general secretary Christina McAnea had helped to pressure government to make pro...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: Article News 2021 National LGBT Conference equalities LGBT members Source Type: news