EQUALITY UPDATES 17th December 2009 View online at http://enf.org.uk/blog/ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ GLASGOW NEWS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From GLASGOW WOMEN’S AID: Support Glasgow Women’s Aid As You Shop!: You can raise funds for the important support and refuge service Glasgow Women’s Aid (GWA) provides to women and children who have experienced domestic violence by simply shopping online. All you need to do is visit www.easyfundraising.org.uk/gwa, register as a user (all you need is an email address) and start shopping! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL: 11 Dec GCC Executive Committee Meeting Papers Included discussion about the Glasgow Council Grants Integration Project (CGIP); also Payments to Voluntary Organisations 2009/10 (San Jai Project and Women’s Support project payments withdrawn) http://digbig.com/5batpk End Prostitution Now: Glasgow launched a major campaign on 8th December to target those who buy sex and keep the sex industry thriving in Scotland. Please support our campaign by going on to the website www.endprostitutionnow.org where you can get more information about the campaign and also send an email to your MSP, or if you live outwith Scotland you can send an email to the Scottish Justice Minister. Glasgow Calls For An End To Prostitution Now (08/12/09): A ground-breaking bid to criminalise the purchase of sex will be launched in Glasgow on December 8. Led by Councillor James Coleman, Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, the End Prostitution Now campaign is pushing for amendments to proposed and existing legislation which will create a range of offences designed to target the purchase of sex. Read on at http://digbig.com/5batrm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From GLASGOW YWCA: YWCA Open Day: Friday 15th January, 12 to 3pm. An opportunity to try out some our courses and find out what’s new at the YWCA: For young Women: Street Dance; Aspiring young Women; Confident Reading, Writing and Numbers. For everyone: Arts and Crafts (Jewellery and Sewing), Computer Skills (for beginners or more advanced), Confident Reading, Writing and Numbers, Family Story Time, Feeding Your Baby We offer free childcare. Please book this in advance if you need in. A free lunch will also be available. The YWCA is only1 minute from Charing Cross at 3 Newton terrace, G3 7PJ. For more info: 0141 248 5338 or admin@ywcaglasgow.org ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SOMALI ASSOCIATION IN GLASGOW: Silent Cry: Documentary Film: 19th December, 1.30pm - 5pm, 1 fountainwell square, glasgow, G21 1RR. “A desiccated, little-known region in south-eastern Ethiopia: this is Ogaden. Bordering on Somalia, it is populated mainly by Somali nomads. It’s very sad that for the rest of the world it’s nothing but a dark speck on the map. Nobody hears about Ogaden. People are simply killed, robbed, mistreated and nobody hears anything about it. ……Though it is impossible to describe in simple language the anguish and tragedy these people have been through, the team hopes that this documentary will raise awareness about the crimes against humanity being committed. Their aim is on the verge of truly transformative change: changing the way the world responds to genocide and mass atrocities in Ogaden.” Film Contact: Richard Horsefield Tel: 02088401459 Cell Phone: 07950961014 Email: richard@silentcry.co.uk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From GLASGOW COUNCIL FOR THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR: FREE Mainstreaming Equalities Organisational Development Training Course: Deadline for the next course is 8th January. Starts 20th January. http://digbig.com/5batrp GCVS Members'' Feedback Report On The Council Grants Integration Project (CGIP): Read the key messages that participants asked us to communicate to local authority members. http://www.gcvs.org.uk/news/gcvs_members_feedback_report_cgip ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EQUALITY NETWORK: Glasgow: Discrimination In Housing Seminar: Tues 9th February, 10am – 4:30pm, STUC Building, 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow, Equality and Human Rights Commssion Scotland & Scottish Association of Law Centres free one day seminar. This event will provide an understanding of discrimination law as it applies to all groups. It is for advisors who work with people who may experience discrimination in housing; from paid advisors to volunteers at law centres, citizens advice bureaux, national and community organisations. Deadline for booking 26th January 2010: to book please email julia.evans@equalityhumanrights.com or call 0141 228 5914. www.equalityhumanrights.com/scotland More info at http://www.scottishlgbt.org/Events/Details.aspx?id=424 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ SCOTTISH NEWS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH COUNCIL ON DEAFNESS: Scottish Government Equality Duty Consultation In British Sigh Language (BSL): BSL:UPTAKE (the BSL Knowledge Exchange hosted by Heriot-Watt University) has translated the summary and questions for the Scottish Government consultation on the Equality Duty: Putting it into Practice. The BSL version is on the BSL:UPTAKE website - www.bsluptake.org.uk Responses can be made by post, email or in BSL, either on the BSL:UPTAKE site or by sending in a CD/DVD. The closing date for responses from Deaf BSL users has been extended to 29th January 2010. Responses should be sent to Graeme Bryce, Equality Unit, The Scottish Government, Area 2G, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ or by email to Graeme.Bryce@scotland.gsi.gov.uk. This is your chance to tell the Scottish Government what you think. Please do respond. Webcam Helpline For Deaf People In Scotland Goes Live (15/12/09): Breathing Space launches British Sign Language service http://www.scod.org.uk/news.php?action=view&news_id=97 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From RAPE CRISIS SCOTLAND: New Campaign Launched Targetting Men Who Believe It Is Their Right To Rape Any Woman Who Imbibes Alcohol: This is a postcard campaign launched by Lothian & Borders Police in conjunction with Rape Crisis Scotland and the Edinburgh Women’s Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre. The postcard is being handed out across the Lothian & Borders area. It is great to see a postcard going out from the police with such a clear non women blaming message. It also has a very clear message to potential perpetrators - if there is any question a woman has drunk too much to give consent, assume she hasn’t given it. Glasgow Community & Safety Services are also launching a washroom campaign with posters from our ‘this is not an invitation to rape me’ campaign. Posters from the campaign will appear in washrooms in bars and clubs across Glasgow for a month, starting from today, 10th December. Contact: Sandy Brindley, National Coordinator, Rape Crisis Scotland, Tara House, 46 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 1HG www.thisisnotaninvitationtorapeme.co.uk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From CAPABILITY SCOTLAND: No Room At The Inn For Disabled People This Christmas (15/12/09): ‘Tis the season to be jolly... especially as the number of disabled people in employment this year has tripled since 2004. But a new report from Capability Scotland has revealed that a lack of information about access to, and within, popular work Christmas party venues is leaving disabled people out in the cold this festive season. http://www.capability-scotland.org.uk/pressarea.aspx ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From POVERTY ALLIANCE: Fighting Poverty In Scotland: Achievements And Opportunities: The next year will be a significant one in the fight against poverty. The UK General Election and the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion will provide a rare opportunity to raise the profile of the debate about how best to tackle poverty. Taking advantage of this opportunity the Poverty Alliance''s annual series of FREE seminars across Scotland will focus on looking at what has been achieved so far, and what the anti-poverty movement in Scotland should be pushing for in the next period. A total of 10 seminars are being organised this year: Glasgow Central 15 January Motherwell 22 January Newton St Boswells 29 January Blantyre 12 February Dundee 19 February Inverness 2 March Elgin 3 March Aberdeen 4 March Edinburgh 5 March Glasgow Govan 10 March For more information and to register go to: http://www.povertyalliance.org/events.asp ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From VOLUNTARY HEALTH SCOTLAND: Seminars: Invest To Engage: Enhancing Connections With The NHS: Dates: 19th January: Dumfries; 2nd February: Falkirk; 16th February: Inverness. Brian Cavanagh, former chair of NHS Lothian and City of Edinburgh Councillor, and Voluntary Health Scotland are jointly hosting this one-day seminar to equip third sector organisations with the skills to engage with NHS Health Boards. These events aim to: Increase awareness of current strategic health policy in Scotland; Identify the key players within Scottish Government and NHS Scotland; Explain how the Direct Elections to Health Boards will work and the opportunities for engagement; Increase awareness of how Health Boards operate and how to navigate Health Boards’ decision making process; Increase confidence in influencing and engagement strategies; Design a best practice engagement framework for your organisation. More info at http://www.vhscotland.org.uk/events/seminar.php ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EQUALITY NETWORK: Speak Out Highlands And Islands: 29th - 31st January. The Equality Network has developed a training course for LGBT community members and allies which will develop skills as an leader on LGBT equality and inclusion. The course is residential and free to attend, all travel and accommodation costs are covered. We are looking for 12 people from across the Highlands, Shetlands, Orkneys and Western Isles to take part. www.equality-network.org/speakout Equal Marriage In Scotland: MSPs John Wilson and Robin Harper, members of the Public Petitions Committee, propose that the issues raised by the petitions for equal marriage and equal civil partnership should be examined by an ad hoc committee set up with representatives of Government, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and representatives of interested parties, to meet with the petitioners to discuss fully the issues and concerns with regard to the ban on same-sex couples marrying in Scotland. The Official Report of the part of last Tuesday''s Public Petitions Committee meeting discussing the marriage petitions is here http://digbig.com/5batrk The campaigns: www.equalmarriage.org.uk & www.lgbtnetwork.eu/?p=786 The Equality Network''s position on equal marriage and civil partnership: www.equality-network.org/marriage ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CENTRE (SCDC): Communities, Inequality And Health Improvement: Policy And Practice For Community-Led Health: 1 February, 9.30am - 4.30pm, Perth Concert Hall. This promises to be the most significant event in recent years to bring together ideas, challenges and lessons about the importance of community-led health in tackling inequalities and building a healthier Scotland. Presentations and workshops on the day will capture the experiences of people directly involved in the Meeting the Shared Challenge programme over the last two years, as well as looking at the challenges ahead. The conference will provide important insights to policy-makers, practitioners and managers, and to community or voluntary sector organisations who want to involve communities more closely in improving community health. To register go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/8C5C8KY The conference is free but places are limited and registration closes on 18th January. If for any reason you are unable to register online, please contact Lee Goundry at SCDC to request a registration form by email - lee@scdc.org.uk / 0141 248 1924. For more information on Meeting the Shared Challenge visit www.scdc.org.uk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From UPDATE: Landmark Agreement For The Independent Living Movement And All Disabled People In Scotland (11/12/09): This week sees the Scottish Government, COSLA and the Convenor of the Independent Living in Scotland Steering Group, Jim Elder Woodward, jointly sign up to a shared vision for independent living in Scotland, at Victoria Quay in Edinburgh. http://www.update.org.uk/a/news_and_events/ILS_movement.php New Scotland-Wide Initiative Launched To Get Disabled People Connected (11/12/09): Momentum officially launched a unique new service this week which will take cutting-edge assistive technologies to into the homes of disabled people, providing a lifeline to individuals who have a severe disability. http://www.update.org.uk/a/news_and_events/Momentum.php ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health): SAMH Welcomes New Plans For Mental Health (07/12/09): SAMH welcomes the launch of “Realising ambitions: Better employment support for people with a mental health condition”, an independent review into how people with mental health problems can be better supported to help them get back into work. http://www.samh.org.uk/frontend/index.cfm?page=30&newsid=186 SAMH Responds To Scottish Transport, Infrastructure And Climate Change Committee Inquiry (09/12/09): http://www.samh.org.uk/frontend/index.cfm?page=30&newsid=187 SAMH Is Disappointed By Scottish Government Failure To Meet Anti- Depressant HEAT Target (15/12/09): http://www.samh.org.uk/frontend/index.cfm?page=30&newsid=188 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH ISLAMIC FOUNDATION: Scottish Muslim Contribution To Be Recognised (16/12/09): Edinburgh will host the inaugural Scottish Muslim Awards it was announced today. The event will take place on February 19th, a day before the far-right Scottish Defence League plan to hold their second demonstration against Muslims, this time in Scotland’s capital city. http://www.scottishislamic.org/index.php?go=news&id=480 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SENSE SCOTLAND: In Our Own Voices Review: A review of our recent exhibition in the Highlands of In Our Own Voices - Leaving New Craigs. This exhibition was the culmination of a two year Heritage Lottery Funded project recording and preserving the life stories of people moving out of Highland Long-stay hospital. http://digbig.com/5batmj ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH ACCESSIBLE INFORMATION FORUM: NHS Highland Officially Publishes Its Accessibility Guidance For Staff (15/12/09): http://www.saifscotland.org.uk/showlog.php?weblogid=22 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN PREVENTION SCOTLAND: Scottish Women’s Aid 2009 Census Day Statistics: SWA published 2009 census day statistics, collected over a 24-hour period on 24 September 2009. On this day: SWA groups across Scotland supported 642 women and 307 children and young people; 412 women and 391 children and young people needed the safety of women’s aid refuge; 31 of the 47 women who requested refuge on this day could not be accommodated and 12 had to be turned away due to a lack of space; 101 women contacted SWA for the first time on this day http://digbig.com/5batrn Feminist Fridays: Sexualized and objectifying images of women in so called ''lads mags'' are becoming more and more available in today''s society. Despite industry guidance, retailers such as WHSmith often display these magazines at eye level alongside other magazines. These images are offensive to women and demean our place in society, sending negative messages about our sexual availability, and our physical worth. As part of the 16 days of action to end violence against women, NUS Scotland Women''s Campaign organised Glasgow’s first ‘Feminist Friday’, to show our objection to these magazines, and the way that they are displayed in newsagents. More at: http://www.vawpreventionscotland.org.uk/news/feminist-fridays Scottish Women’s Aid: Analysis Of Single Outcome Agreements 2009 (07/12/09): SWA''s analysis of this year’s round of Single Outcome Agreements questions whether the protection of women and children from violence is one of the highest priorities across Scotland. http://digbig.com/5batsh New Booklets On Sexual Abuse: ENABLE Scotland has recently produced a set of two booklets about sexual abuse for adults with learning disabilities and their carers. http://www.vawpreventionscotland.org.uk/news/new-booklets-sexual-abuse ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT: Holyrood To Host Major Human Rights Conference (10/12/09): Scotland is to host a major international conference for national human rights institutions next year. http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/nmCentre/news/news-09/pa09-065.htm Equal Opportunities Committee: 15 December 2009: 18th Meeting, 2009: 1. Public Appointments (equal opportunities strategy): The Committee will take evidence on the implementation of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland’s equal opportunities strategy, from John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, Barbara Allison, Director of Human Resources and Corporate Services, and Avril Coats, Head of Public Appointments, Scottish Government; 2. Migration and trafficking (in private): The Committee will consider an options paper on the economic impact of migration and trafficking; Proposed future business: At its next meeting on 12 January, it is expected that the Committee will take oral evidence on research into sexualised imagery in goods aimed at children. http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/equal/index.htm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT: Scottish Crime And Justice Survey (SCJS) 2008-09: Partner Abuse (15/12/09): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/12/14103249/0 Scottish Crime And Justice Survey (SCJS) 2008-09: Sexual Victimisation And Stalking (15/12/09): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/12/14103338/0 The Capacity Of Disability Organisations To Engage With Public Authorities (07/12/09): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/12/04110745 Mapping Scotland''s Disability Organisations (07/12/09): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/12/04111241 A Resource Guide To Engagement Standards, Guidance And Tool Kits (07/12/09): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/12/04110540 Extending Coverage Of FOI Act (08/12/09): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/12/08113806 Festive Drink And Drug Driving Campaign (07/12/09): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/12/07140600 CCTV ''Crucial'' To Crime Fighting (04/12/09): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/12/04114509 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ UK NEWS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EQUALITYBILL.COM: Lord Alli Speech On The Equality Bill (16/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batpj Lords Debate Begins: December 15th (10/12/09): There was plenty of speculation over the last few weeks as to whether or not the Equality Bill would make it to the Lords before Christmas. Original word from the Equalities Office and others in-the-know had predicted no action until January at the earliest. But it’s now confirmed and set in stone: December 15th will see the Second Reading debate in the Lords. A word on procedure: the Second Reading debate is intended to act as a ‘broad brush strokes’ debate, so no amendments will be voted on at this stage: that will have to wait until January, after Parliament returns from the Christmas break. Read on at: http://equalitybill.com/2009/12/10/lords-debate-begins-december-15th/ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION: Commission Welcomes Supreme Court Ruling (16/12/09): The Commission intervened in the case of R (E) v JFS to provide expert guidance to the Court, arguing that the school’s use of an ethnic-based test in selecting students did not comply with Race Relations Act. http://digbig.com/5batsa Commission Response To Any Of Our Business? Human Rights And The UK Private Sector (16/12/09): Our repsonse to a request by the Joint Select Committee on Human Rights for Government to develop a strategy that clearly sets out human rights standards for UK businesses. http://digbig.com/5batsb The Final Report From ''Just Ageing?'' Research Is Being Launched Tonight (15/12/09): http://justageing.equalityhumanrights.com/ Government Delays Judgment On Serving Prisoners Right To Vote: Commission Criticises Government Failure To Implement European Law (10/12/09): The EHRC has backed the European Committee of Ministers’ criticism of the UK Government for its failure to implement the Hirst decision. http://digbig.com/5batmn Legal Action Warning Issued To Trusts Not Complying With The Race Relations Act (07/12/09): NHS Trusts face enforcement action http://digbig.com/5batmm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From BIG LOTTERY FUND: Big Lottery Fund Research On Capacity Building: Questionnaire at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/F2ZQVVZ Deadline: 20th January. It should take no more than 15-20 minutes to complete. More about the research on the Big Lottery Fund’s website at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/er_coi.htm If you’d prefer to have a chat about any of this please call Asif Afridi or Selina Mehra on 0121 456 7400 or email research@brap.org.uk Please note that we want to encourage frank and honest responses to this questionnaire. All responses to the questionnaire will remain anonymous and confidential (comments attributed to particular respondents will not be shared with Big Lottery Fund). ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From MINISTRY OF JUSTICE: Women Prison Places Reduced To Fund Community Services (14/12/09): Vulnerable women offenders are to get more support in the community to turn away from crime. http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/newsrelease141209a.htm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From BRITISH DEAF ASSOCIATION: See How The Census Is Shaping Up To Your Needs: The next census in 2011 is taking an innovative approach to make it more accessible for everyone. Census day, 27 March 2011, may seem a long way off, but there''s a great deal of work still to be done to make sure everything works perfectly, and that everyone understands why they need to take part. www.britishdeafassociation.org.uk/news.php?action=view&news_id=158 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From DEPARTMENT FOR CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES: Vetting And Barring Scheme: Two Million Fewer Adults Required To Register (14/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batsc A Stronger Voice And More Support For Parents Of Children With SEN (16/12/09): New national helpline announced http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2009_0255 Government Response To The Teenage Pregnancy Independent Advisory Group''s Sixth Annual Report (15/12/09): http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2009_0253 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From LGBT HEALTH UK: Trans Inclusion In The Equality Bill - ACT NOW - Gender Identity Not Gender Reassignment: The next stage of the Equality Bill is the House of Lords Committee Stage which is expected to be on the 11th and 13th of January 2010. Many trans people and their allies have been working hard to try to get the protected characteristic amended from ''gender reassignment'' to ''gender identity''. If we are to have even the slightest chance of any success in the House of Lords, we need more real life examples of people who fall outside the coverage of gender reassignment and the discrimination they have experienced. Read on at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7HLTHP2 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: Radical Overhaul Of Support For People With Mental Health Conditions (07/12/09): New specialist coordinators and dedicated advice lines for small businesses are part of a radical overhaul of support for people with mental health conditions. Increasing job opportunities for people with mental health conditions and improving the wellbeing of workers is part of a wide-ranging new Government vision to enhance mental health services and boost the wellbeing of the whole population. Read on at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/News/Recentstories/DH_109719 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From BRITISH INSTITUTE OF LEARNING DISABILITIES: Hate Crime – BILD’s Response To The Cross-Government Action Plan: http://www.bild.org.uk/ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From RUNNYMEDE TRUST: Equality Bill Would Enshrine Anti-Discrimination Laws (14/12/09): Laws preventing racial discrimination could be supported and enshrined by the Equality Bill, currently undergoing its second reading in the House of Lords. Unfair treatment on the grounds of gender, age and disability would also be better protected against if the bill is successful. http://digbig.com/5batwc ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From DISABILITY NOW: Government Goes Big On Mental Health (10/12/09): The government has unveiled a raft of measures which it says represents a "radical shift" in its approach to mental health. It has published a strategy for preventing mental health conditions developing among those at risk including victims of physical and sexual abuse, homeless people and ex-servicemen. http://digbig.com/5battp ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From CABINET OFFICE: Work Key For People With Severe Mental Health Conditions, Says New Report (07/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batry ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From LORDS OF THE BLOG: Debating Equality (16/12/09): The Second Reading debate on the Equality Bill took place in the House yesterday. It is a large and complex Bill, with some contentious provisions. http://lordsoftheblog.net/2009/12/16/debating-equality/ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From MIND: Tell Us What You Think About Mental Health On TV (11/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batsd Psychotherapy Needs Regulating To Protect The Public (10/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batse Mind Wins ''Doing Money Differently'' Award (08/12/09): www.mind.org.uk/news/2526_mind_wins_doing_money_differently_award New Horizons Heralds A New Era For Mental Health And Wellbeing (07/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batsf New Plans Put Employment In Reach Of Millions With Mental Health Problems (07/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batsg The Coming Decade (07/12/09): Today sees the publication of four separate Government documents on mental health, carrying us through to 2020. http://www.mind.org.uk/blog/2513_the_coming_decade Campaigning To Protect People From Bailiffs (04/12/09): www.mind.org.uk/news/2507_campaigning_to_protect_people_from_bailiffs ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From PRESS FOR CHANGE: The Equality Act 2010 This pages leads to the various parts of the website and outside soruces relating to the proposed Equality Act 2010. We also discuss our campaign to have it improved, and to consider the benefits that trans people will get if it goes into law as it is. http://www.pfc.org.uk/node/1599 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From UK PARLIAMENT: Equality Bill: Lords Second Reading (17/12/09): 41 Members of the Lords discussed key principles of Bill to address range of discrimination issues http://news.parliament.uk/2009/12/equality-bill-lords-second-reading/ UK Business And Human Rights Report (16/12/09): Committee says Government has no coherent strategy on human rights impact of UK business http://news.parliament.uk/2009/12/uk-business-and-human-rights-report/ Harman Appears Before Human Rights Joint Committee (15/12/09): Minister gives evidence on the work of the Equality and Human Rights Commission http://digbig.com/5battj Commons Second Reading Of Personal Care At Home Bill (15/12/09): MPs debate Personal Care Bill Bill which will help around 400,000 people with care needs http://digbig.com/5batth Preventing Violent Extremism Inquiry Continues (14/12/09): Committee examines Government''s policy and record on preventing violent extremism http://digbig.com/5battg Commons Debate On Disability Benefits For The Elderly (09/12/09): Conservative Opposition holds a Commons debate on disability benefits for the elderly http://digbig.com/5battf Committee Urge Government To Opt In To New Asylum Directives (04/12/09): Lords EU Committee publishes report on scrutiny of opt-in decisions on asylum directives http://digbig.com/5batte Commons Debates Report Stage Of Equality Bill (03/12/09): MPs debate Bill which seeks to harmonise and extend existing discrimination law http://digbig.com/5battd ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From OFFICE FOR DISABILITY ISSUES: Introducing Roadmap 2025: Following its launch at the ODI Annual Event, we are pleased to present the new Roadmap 2025. This strategic publication describes how government departments will work together to achieve disability equality by 2025. This is the first time this information has been published in one document - Roadmap 2025 is a must for government policy-makers, disabled people''s organisations and all stakeholders involved in disability equality. Find out more and download the latest version from http://www.odi.gov.uk/research/annual-report.php#roadmap Disabled People Influence Government Right To Control Legislation: The government has changed legislation to ensure adult social care is included in the Right to Control Trailblazers (the local council areas that will try out the Right to Control). This change been made in direct response to the views expressed by disabled people during our recent consultation. The response, published on 8 December, confirmed which funding streams would be included in the Trailblazers. ODI has also published a prospectus for local authorities who want to apply to become a Trailblazer. The deadline for applications is 15 January 2010. Read the government response and the prospectus on the Right to Control section of the ODI website http://www.odi.gov.uk/working/right-to-control.php ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From THE F-WORD: A Gude Cause Maks A Strong Arm: Wisrutta Atthakor reports back from the Gude Cause march through Edinburgh, 100 years to the day since Scottish suffragettes took to the city''s streets http://www.thefword.org.uk/features/2009/11/a_gude_cause_ma Bright Star And Women In Film: Producer Jan Chapman spoke to Jess McCabe by phone from Sydney about women in the film industry - and her latest movie Bright Star http://www.thefword.org.uk/features/2009/11/bright_star_and Gender And Sentencing: Are the scales of justice in alignment? Rachel Thwaites looks at how women and men are so often treated differently by the system if they commit violent crimes http://www.thefword.org.uk/features/2009/11/gender_and_sent A Streamlined New Me: Laura Thomas talks through her experience going from red mane to shaved head http://www.thefword.org.uk/features/2009/11/a_streamlined_n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From RETHINK: Mental Health Plans Win Backing And Call For Cash Support (07/12/09): A raft of mental health documents published today show government commitment to the cause but need cash injections to make them work to their full potential, warns mental health charity Rethink. http://digbig.com/5battn ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From INSTITUTE OF RACE RELATIONS: Conditions At G4S Immigration Prison ''Worse And Worse'' (16/12/09): Below we reproduce an article which originally appeared on the website of Corporate Watch. http://www.irr.org.uk/2009/december/ha000022.html Lord Carlile Criticises Police Procedures (16/12/09): Saleh Mamon, a member of the Campaign Against Criminalising Communities (CAMPACC), assesses a recent report on the arrest of twelve Asian students on suspicion of terrorism. http://www.irr.org.uk/2009/december/ha000021.html Health Professionals Speak Out Against Detention Of Children (10/12/09): Every year hundreds of children in the UK are detained in immigration centres because their families face deportation, this policy is harmful and must change say medical experts. http://www.irr.org.uk/2009/december/aa000020.html Ullah Family Still Fighting For Justice (09/12/09): Over a year after he died, the family of Habib Ullah are still asking how he died. http://www.irr.org.uk/2009/december/ha000018.html Swiss Youth Erect Geneva''s First New Minaret (03/12/09): The Network of Genevan Youth Associations (GLAJ) immediately registered its shock at the result of the Swiss referendum on the banning of minarets by erecting a minaret made of cardboard, wood, paper and tissue in Geneva''s New Square. http://www.irr.org.uk/2009/december/ha000006.html INQUEST Wins The Longford Prize (03/12/09): INQUEST, the organisation which assists the families of those who die in custody, has been awarded the 2009 Longford Prize. http://www.irr.org.uk/2009/december/ha000005.html ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From OBJECT: Don''t Let The Lap Dancing Industry Weaken Our Hard Won Reforms: Download a template response for you to adapt here: http://digbig.com/5batwa ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From HOME OFFICE: Identity Cards To Be Extended Across The North West (15/12/09): http://press.homeoffice.gov.uk/press-releases/identity-card-north-west Sheffield Sex Trafficking Gang Jailed (11/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batpm Meeting The Needs Of The UK Economy Through Selective High-Skilled Immigration (04/12/09): The first review by the Migration Advisory Committee of the highly skilled migration routes (Tier 1) recommends that the routes should be maintained. http://digbig.com/5batpn ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From YWCA: Young Women''s Film Tells Christmas Clubbers To Keep Safe (08/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batty ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From OPERATION BLACK VOTE: Climate Change Latest: Griffin Has Methane Discharge (15/12/09): “The BNP is not a scientific body.” These are the opening words – and just about the only accurate sentence – in a new environmental paper released by climate-deniers the British National Party today. http://digbig.com/5batpp Google And Islamophobia (14/12/09): Despite Muslim’s being overwhelmingly patriotic towards Britain, it’s alarming how few positive images of Muslims there are on the internet. Google has a lot to answer for. http://digbig.com/5batpq Of Course We’re Patriotic (14/12/09): For those who have long argued that it’s the Far Right who need to undergo citizenship tests, news that Muslims are the most patriotic does not come as a huge surprise. http://digbig.com/5battm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From REFUGEE COUNCIL: Mayor Of London Announces New Refugee Integration Strategy (11/12/09): http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/news/news/2009/December/11122009_z.htm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From STONEWALL: ''That''s So Gay'': Practical Guide For Teachers On Challenging Homophobic Language (07/12/09): http://www.stonewall.org.uk/media/current_releases/3606.asp ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From RAPE CRISIS: Calls For Views: The Campaign to End Rape (CER) survey on women''s views on rape collected 1,233 responses in the first month. The researchers are delighted with the response and have been able to leave the survey open until 31st December 2009. There is still time to give CER your views - please visit the Campaign to End Rape website and click on the survey link http://www.cer.truthaboutrape.co.uk/ Stern Review: The Government is collecting women''s views on rape for a review of practice and policy being conducted by Baroness Stern (see Rape Crisis News 22nd September 09 for full details). The survey is open until 30th December 2009. http://www.equalities.gov.uk/stern_review/have_your_say.aspx and click on the link which says "here". ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From PINK NEWS: BBC Ditches ''Should Homosexuals Be Executed?'' Debate Title After Complaints (16/12/09): http://digbig.com/5battc Gordon Brown ''Pushing For European Recognition Of British Civil Partnerships'' (15/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batta Coalition Calls On Lords To Reject Religious Exemptions In Equality Bill (14/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batsy Gene Discovery Could Make Gender Reassignment Easier (11/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batsx Schools To Record All Homophobic, Sexist And Racist Bullying (10/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batst TUC Announces New Coalition To Tackle Homophobia In Football (10/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batsr Communities Secretary Promises New Funding To Tackle White Supremacists (09/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batsq Guide Released To Help Teachers Tackle Gay Insults (08/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batsp Equality And Human Rights Commission To Collate Sexuality Status From Across Government Databases (06/12/09): The Equality and Human Rights Commission is to collate sexuality data given to hospitals and other surveys in order to gain a greater understanding of the inequity that lesbian, gay bisexual or trangendered (LGBT) people may be suffering. http://digbig.com/5batsm Archbishop Of Canterbury In ''Intensive And Private'' Talks Over Uganda''s Gay Law (04/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batsj University To Launch Research Network For LGBT History Month (04/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batsk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EUROPEAN FEMINIST FORUM: EFF Publishes ’A Herstory’: Over the past several years, feminist women and men throughout Europe came together to meet as part of the European Feminist Forum. In the European Feminist Forum, they exchanged ideas about issues that face women in Europe today, with the goal of creating a new European feminist agenda. The discussions are now collected in the book “A Herstory (2004-208)”. Download the book (PDF): http://europeanfeministforum.org/IMG/pdf/EFF_Herstory_web.pdf ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From NATIONAL SEXUALITY RESOURCE CENTRE: Common Claims: Polanski And Rape In Early America (20/11/09): http://digbig.com/5basfx ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From ABOUT FACE: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From OPEN SOCIETY INSTITUTE: Muslims Face Alarming Discrimination in Europe, Says Report (15/12/09): http://www.soros.org/initiatives/home/news/discrimination-20091215 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON REFUGEES AND EXILES (ECRE): ECRE Weekly Bulletin 11 December 2009: Contents: EU Developments: EU Council adopts the Stockholm Programme. Council Of Europe: Commissioner Hammarberg publishes letters to Italy and Malta. Miscellaneous: Germany: Right to stay for long-term ‘tolerated’ foreigners extended; The Netherlands: 1 million euros for an employment project for refugees. NGO Actions And Reports: CEAR calls for reform of Spanish reception centres. Other News: Copenhagen opens discussion on forced displacement; New EUROSTAT statistics on asylum in the EU for 2008 http://www.ecre.org ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From ILGA: UN: Landmark Meeting Denounces Rights Abuses Based On Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity Holy See Condemns Criminalization Of Homosexual Conduct (13/12/09): http://digbig.com/5battx Pan Africa ILGA Press Statement: Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 (10/12/09): http://digbig.com/5battw ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From PINK NEWS (INTERNATIONAL): Rwanda To Vote On Criminalising Homosexuality (16/12/09): http://digbig.com/5battb Archbishop Of Canterbury Makes First Public Statement On Uganda''s Anti- Gay Law (14/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batsw Uganda ''To Remove Death Penalty From Anti-Gay Bill'' (10/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batss Bollywood''s First Gay Love Scene (07/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batsn ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From ILGA EUROPE: ILGA-Europe''s LGBT Families Questionnaire - Share Your Organisations'' Thoughts With Us (December 2009): ILGA-Europe has launched its LGBT families questionnaire. It is part of a study that we have commissioned to help guide us in the review of our strategies and approach to LGBT families, and it is hence very important that you provide us with your views and input. http://digbig.com/5battr Austrian Parliament Adopts Registered Partnership Law For Same-Sex Partners (10/12/09): http://digbig.com/5battt On The Occasion Of The International Human Rights Day, ILGA-Europe Calls On European Institutions Not To Be Complacent And To Do More To End Discrimination (10/12/09): http://digbig.com/5batts ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From A. FINE BLOG: Women, Social Media And Influence http://digbig.com/5batph ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EUROPEAN DISABILITY FORUM: How Can Europe Improve The Journey Of 65 Million Citizens? (15/12/09): On 17th December, the European Council of Ministers on land transport will decide about the scope of the bus passenger rights regulation. http://www.edf-feph.org/Page_Generale.asp?DocID=13855&thebloc=23287 Human Rights Day 2009 (10/12/09): http://www.edf-feph.org/Page_Generale.asp?DocID=13854&thebloc=23245 Europe Free Of Barriers: Exchangeability Makes Your Studies Abroad More Accessible (10/12/09): http://www.edf-feph.org/Page_Generale.asp?DocID=13854&thebloc=23246 Young Persons With Disabilities Comment The European Strategy For The Next 10 Years (08/12/09): http://www.edf-feph.org/Page_Generale.asp?DocID=13854&thebloc=23222 “My Real Life Began When I Was 30 Years Old, The Day I Left The Institution To Live My Own Life!" (04/12/09): To mark the European Day of People with Disabilities, the European Commission organised in cooperation with the EDF a policy conference in Brussels…. Representatives from the disability movement and decision- makers focused on "Creating conditions for independent living". The Conference''s goal was to contribute to a better understanding of issues related to independent living, in particular economic autonomy, community services and assistive technologies. http://www.edf-feph.org/Page_Generale.asp?DocID=13854&thebloc=23191 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EUROPEAN UNION AGENCY FOR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS (FRA): Fundamental Rights Conference Closes Calling For Inclusion Of Marginalized Groups (16/12/09): http://fra.europa.eu/fraWebsite/home/infocus09_1312_en.htm FRA Releases The Main Results Report Of Its EU-MIDIS Survey (09/12/09): - the results of FRA survey of over 23,000 individuals from ethnic minority and immigrant groups about their experiences of discrimination, racist crime, and policing in the EU. http://fra.europa.eu/fraWebsite/home/infocus09_0712_en.htm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From MINORITY RIGHTS GROUP: Open Doors To Indigenous And Minority Communities At Copenhagen Climate Change Conference (08/12/09): Communities worst affected by climate change can no longer remain on the fringes while states take critical decisions at the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, Minority Rights Group International says. http://digbig.com/5battk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EUROPEAN ROMA RIGHTS CENTRE (ERRC): ERRC Statement On The Occasion Of Human Rights Day (10/12/09): http://www.errc.org/cikk.php?cikk=3057 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The EQUALITY UPDATES e-newsletter is produced on behalf of the Equality Networks Forum (ENF) The ENF: Glasgow Black and Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Network; Glasgow City Council; Glasgow Disability Alliance; Glasgow Women’s Voluntary Sector Network; West of Scotland Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Forum This message may contain information that has been sent to the ENF Communications and Resource Worker by third parties. 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