Gay Belfast News for 2006

Gay campaigners have received an ”early Christmas present” after a High Court judge in Belfast rejected pleas from Christian groups to postpone the introduction of the Sexual Orientation Regulations next month. The law, which protects LGBT people from discrimination in goods and services, will now be introduced in Northern Ireland in January 2007, followed by the rest of the UK in April. However the judge did say he would consider the case in March 2007. The Christian Institute has led calls to delay the Sexual Orientation Regulations, claiming they were rushed through and constitute an attack on freedom of conscience. Mr Justice Deeny’s ruling means the law will now be introduced and will be safe at least until March when he has promised to hear the opposition views. Ben Summerskill, chief executive of gay charity Stonewall, told PinkNews.co.uk: “It really is an early Christmas, and late Chanukah present, for equality campaigners.”

A Northern Assembly motion condemning plans by the British government to introduce equality legislation for gays, lesbians and bisexuals in the New Year fell today after a dead heat. Democratic Unionist MP Jeffrey Donaldson and his Assembly colleague George Dawson had claimed Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain's plan to introduce a new law on January 1 would place Christian-run businesses unfairly on the wrong side of the law if they refused access to their goods and services on "ethical grounds". After a tense two-hour debate at Stormont, 39 Assembly members voted in favour of the DUP motion and 39 against. The dead heat meant that the motion was not carried.

DUP sources claimed the vote was tied because Sinn Féin was able to use the vote of one of its Assembly members who died in September. The St Andrews Agreement Act enables parties to use the vote of an Assembly member who has died but has not yet been replaced. West Belfast MLA Michael Ferguson died in September. During the debate, the DUP and Ulster Unionist Party criticised the British government for implementing the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations in Northern Ireland on January 1 ahead of the rest of the UK and for holding only a two-month consultation in Northern Ireland. Mr Donaldson claimed the regulations would punish people with deeply held religious convictions. He also alleged it would make schools which teach traditional Christian views liable to a harassment claim from gay pupils if they taught homosexuality was sinful. The Lagan Valley MP said: "All six of the world's major religions are opposed to homosexual practice. Judaism, Islam and Christianity all teach that homosexual practice is sinful. " Not all Honourable Members may agree with that, but it is a sincerely held view by Christians and people of other faiths. The regulations will interfere with the freedom to manifest to one's religion because these are new restrictions. "The restrictions will apply to all aspects of society and the restrictions are proposed to apply to religious teachings, observances and practices and services offered by religious organisations to the community."

Sinn Féin equality spokeswoman Caitriona Ruane accused the DUP of whipping up homophobic sentiment with the motion. "This motion is part of yesterday's agenda, part of the bad old days of the past," the South Down MLA argued. "Move on - show leadership. Days of second-class citizenship and hiding our identities are gone." Ulster Unionist equality spokesman Dermot Nesbitt warned that the law would leave Christian bookshops and adoption agencies vulnerable to harassment claims, despite their deeply-held views. He also criticised the way the British government limited the consultation to two months in Northern Ireland. "There are certain fundamental issues that require to be addressed and the process by which this Government is taking this Act forward not only denies that proper process of equality throughout the United Kingdom but also denies the rights of people who truly feel very concerned," the South Down MLA said.

SDLP equality spokeswoman Patricia Lewsley, whose party`s youth wing staged a protest against the motion outside Parliament Buildings, accused the DUP of scaremongering and said it was untrue to claim that the regulations would punish faith-run schools. "All they will prevent is discrimination and harassment - not the teaching of religious doctrine," the Lagan Valley MLA countered. "Harassment only occurs if there is unwanted conduct which has purpose or intent of violating dignity or creating an intimidating, degrading or offensive environment." Cross-community Alliance Party leader David Ford acknowledged that the Government`s consultation period during August and September was not ideal. Nevertheless, the South Antrim MLA noted there were 673 responses which covered all the main religious groupings in Northern Ireland and all the key organisations with an interest. "I am not sure that there would have been any different response had there been another four weeks or another 14 weeks," he said. "To suggest that simply the timescale was a major problem doesn`t seem to be going very far."

The leader of the loyalist Progressive Unionists David Ervine opposed the DUP motion. "Equality is equality is equality," the East Belfast MLA declared. "If any human being is left out of the entitlement for equality, then we deny ourselves proper equality. It is either for everyone or it is for no one. "The Democratic Unionist Party have made great play out of the fact that the Secretary of State is determining that this Assembly should have this legislation stuffed down its throat. He might well be doing us a favour. "He may well have been doing us favours in the past. I don't hear too many raucous comments from some members of that party. "For instance, he has just declared there will be an election, having previously declared that there would be an election in 2008. I didn't hear a raucous complaint about that. So you don't mind an Order in Council when it suits you."

Up to 100 Irish gay couples have travelled north of the border to marry since same-sex civil partnership ceremonies were legalised last December. The Department of Justice is due to receive a report from a working group set up to examine whether same-sex partnerships should be allowed in the republic. At least one Dublin couple, Paul Fanning, 42, and Geoff Costello, 43, who married in Belfast last March, are hoping that this expert group will recommend that the Irish government recognise the validity of their marriage. Mr Fanning, a violinist with the RTE National Symphony Orchestra said "We've been together for eight years and we decided to go up north because the ceremony is available there but not here. Heterosexual couples take it for granted that they will marry. When you can't have something, you really want it. We thought this was a fantastic opportunity publicly to recognise our relationship. We are delighted we did it. But now all we want is for it to be recognised down here. Politicians fear the public's reaction if they recognise same-sex partnerships but I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who support it. All we are asking for is recognition - for our relationship to be recognised by the state."

A recent opinion poll found that two-thirds of Irish people think gay couples should have the same financial and legal rights as married couples, although it also found that 50% of the public are against allowing gay couples to adopt. Mr Costello, who works as a banker at the International Financial Service Centre in Dublin, has lived with his partner in Blackrock for three years. Each has inheritance rights should the other die, but their marriage is not recognised in terms of pension entitlements or hospital visitation rights. Mr Fanning, who was given time off by RTE to celebrate his wedding, points out the injustice. "If I die, Geoff will not be able to get my RTE pension," he said. "In terms of hospital visits, I wouldn't be considered his next-of-kin. The government has been talking about changing this for a long time. It's been promised for years. I'm not sure I have that much faith that anything will happen." The introduction of legislation allowing same-sex civil partnerships is likely to be speeded up by the fact that since last August five gay couples have married in the British embassy in Dublin - to circumvent the legal loophole that allows gay marriage on British but not Irish soil. The embassy spokesperson said that none of the five ceremonies had involved an Irish citizen. "There were three male couples and two female," the embassy said. "They each either involved two British nationals or a British and a non-British national."

This week's expert report is expected to include a recommendation that same-sex partnerships be recognised here. Mr Fanning, who made a submission to the group, is speaking out in order to raise the profile of gay marriage in the republic. "After the ceremony I decided I wanted to speak out if the opportunity ever arose because I want to raise the profile of the whole issue," he said. While the couple agreed to tell their story publicly, they refused to be photographed, fearing attack. "There is a lot of gay-bashing. You hear it all the time. I am very lucky that in the circles I work in there is a lot of support. You do hear of gay friends who have problems with neighbours, who get hate mail. "I know of one couple who were forced out of a home on a council estate in Dun Laoghaire. They were run out of the place after a firebomb was put through their letter box. There is a lot of homophobia out there." Mr Fanning said.

Their civil partnership ceremony is one of about 100 involving citizens from the republic who have travelled to Northern Ireland to have their same-sex relationships officially recognised. Keith O'Malley, Chief Executive of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network, said all of these couples will be looking out for the decision of the High Court, where judgment has been reserved in a case taken by a Canadian lesbian couple seeking to have their marriage recognised by the Irish state. The outcome of this case could force the government to legalise same-sex marriage here. Pressured to reverse its initial decision, the state recently granted an adult dependent allowance to the same-sex partner of a terminally ill gay man. The Department of Social and Family Affairs had refused to provide the allowance but the government changed its decision after the couple complained to the Equality Tribunal under the Equal Status Act. Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

The PSNI failed in a bid to block an application for extending the opening hours of a popular gay bar in Belfast which they feared could lead to an increase in assaults, council minutes showed yesterday. Metropolitan Inns Ltd had applied to Belfast City Council to extend the weekend opening hours at the Mynt nightclub in Dunbar Street from 3am until 6am earlier this year. However, south Belfast police, whose policy is to object to entertainment being provided after 3am in bars, opposed the application. Two police officers representing the PSNI voiced concern to the health and environmental services committee in June about extending the opening hours, stating that 35% of assaults reported in the South Belfast District Command Unit take place during night-life hours. One of the officers said that, within the previous 12 months, there had been 19 assaults and six disturbances within the immediate vicinity of Mynt. The officer added that she believed an extension to hours could result in an increase in assaults in the area.
The PSNI was also concerned as to the reasons why an extension to 6am was required, since liquor licensing law meant alcohol could not be served after 1am. At the same meeting, a representative for Mynt said that police had not contacted the premises about concerns over customers' behaviour leaving the club. He suggested that many of the incidents had been caused by customers leaving other nearby clubs and bars. He also said that closed-circuit televisions had been installed at the club, and pointed out that the reason for wanting to extend the licence was to provide entertainment which would attract more people, especially tourists. The application was approved during a committee meeting on September 11 after the principal solicitor for Belfast City Council told the committee the PSNI had not objected to a similar establishment receiving an extended entertainment licence until 6am. That establishment was within the North Belfast District Command Unit area. The solicitor also noted that, without more evidence from the PSNI in relation to the alleged incidents, the council could not defend, in court, a decision to reject the application. Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum.

The PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) have fingered two of Belfast's most popular tourists attractions as gay cruising grounds, reports Daily Ireland. Police chiefs have claimed they are being forced to deal with "numerous and continuous calls" about "indecent behaviour and criminal activity of a sexual nature" in the Shaws Bridge and the rather appropriately named Giant's Ring areas. The parkland areas, on the edges of south Belfast, are two of the city's top nature attractions. They are visited by thousands of locals and tourists each year. Belfast Lord Mayor Pat McCarthy, who it is claimed, "has led a high-profile campaign against vice and illegal sex" (ed can't say I remember his campaign), said: "Shaws Bridge and the Giant's Ring are beauty spots visited by families and people who walk their dogs. Members of the public should be entitled to visit these places without being subjected to people having a carry on." Like many gay cruising grounds, there is a double-edged sword linked to publicising their existence. The story of al-fresco gay sex destinations seems to follow the same formula whether it's in Belfast, Brighton or Streatham Common. Initially, cruising grounds become popular through the whispering gay grapevine. Hearsay and rumours are soon replaced by geographical facts, advice and directions supplied by a website's etc. Local publications get wind of the supposed gay sex party occurring on their doorstep and use front page indignation to whip up a scandal. The net result of such negative publicity is that the area soon becomes a magnet for marauding teenagers looking to rob or assault the cruisers. In Belfast, both the Giant's Ring and Shaws Bridge have been named as meeting places on gay websites. They have also been the scene for violent homophobic attacks on male couples. Six years ago two south Belfast teenagers were sentenced to 240 hours community service for a homophobic attack near Shaws Bridge. Gary Kelly (17), admitted causing grievous bodily harm to a male couple, while 18-year-old Craig Morgan pleaded guilty to assault and possessing an offensive weapon. PSNI Chief Superintendent Ken Henning, told the BBC's Nolan Show vis a` vis this growing problem: "Complete strangers meet to have sex. We have to keep a very close eye on it." - you do that honey! Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

Thousands of people have taken part in the Belfast Gay Pride parade today. It was the 16th year of the annual Belfast Pride. The Parades Commission did not impose any restrictions on the march. Members of the Free Presbyterian Church turned their backs as the parade passed. One of the Belfast Gay Pride event's organisers, Andrew Clarke, said: "The absence of protest in Belfast is indicative of public opinion." He reckoned up to 6,500 people attended the event in the city centre. "The amount of floats on the parade and the public support has been absolutely amazing," he said. "It's colourful, it's a festival parade, it's fun." PA MagLochlainn president of the Northern Ireland Gay Rights Association, hailed Belfast Gay Pride Parade a success. "It was very pleasant. The marchers were very happy and very gay - in every sense of the word - and the whole thing was very good natured," he said."Apart from one or two sprinkles of rain, the weather was great and everyone was happy and relaxed." The only hitch came when up to six protesters infiltrated the marchers to hand out extracts from the Bible. "They broke the rules set out by the Parades Commission and the police. It was lucky there was no breach of the peace," PA said. "In general, Belfast is becoming more tolerant. "That lot are totally unrepresentative of the majority. They do not speak for the population." PA, who has been on every Gay Parade committee since it started in 1991, added that the after-march party at Writer Square went on for hours. "It gets more and more colourful each year and people come to enjoy themselves. More and more families come with their children, which is why we have a bouncy castle there as well." Reverend David McIlveen, of the Free Presbyterian Church, said: "These people are flaunting their sexuality in a way that we deem is unacceptable and contrary to the teaching of the Bible." Therefore it is our responsibility to point that out to them." Speaking last month, the chairman of the Parades Commission, Roger Poole, said the march was "a welcome addition" and "a colourful and positive celebration of all lifestyles which co-exist in the city". Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

An Ipsos-MORI survey has rather surprisingly revealed that three-quarters of the population in Northern Ireland say they are tolerant of lesbians, gays and bisexuals and 88% believe there should be no discrimination against them. The poll was based on a face-to-face survey of 1,009 people, questioned at 47 different locations across Northern Ireland during February. Perhaps the most interesting statistics to emerge from the survey stem from the differing attitudes of the Protestants compared to the Catholics. The glut of homophobia is to be found in the Protestant Evangelical community. 14% of Protestants admitted they were ‘not at all accepting’ of the gay community.

Evidence of the Pope’s waning influence can be found in the fact that 83% of Catholics said they were ‘very accepting’ of gays, lesbians and bisexuals compared with 70% of Protestants. The encouraging results of the survey were complimented by moves from Peter Hain to outlaw discrimination against the gay community in restaurants, clubs, pubs, hotels and B&Bs. Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said that organizations who support the gay community would receive financial backing. "The government's vision is for a fair society founded on equal opportunities for all, respect for the dignity and worth of each person and mutual respect between communities.

"Since 1997, this government has taken steps UK-wide to achieve that goal and these new proposals are a further step along that road." Northern Ireland already enjoys anti-discrimination legislation, but the goods and services proposals currently being consulted would close a current loophole. The legislation would bring Northern Ireland in line with Great Britain where similar proposals on goods and services are being consulted on at present. This week sees the start of celebrations for Belfast Pride (29th July-5th August). The Belfast Pride Parade on Saturday 5th August is the pièce de résistance of Pride Week and attracted more than 5,000 in 2005. Following the Parade- note, they don’t call it a march, as Belfast has quite enough of them already, there’s an all-day party in Writer’s Square. Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum.

While Ireland is enjoying an economic boom and cultural renaissance, the gay community appears to have relapsed and become caught in a sexual time warp. The Gay Men's Health Project have just published results of an all-Ireland survey which has shocked health workers. The nationwide project, examining the sexual health experiences and attitudes of gay men, was carried out during 2003 and 2004. Almost half of those questioned revealed they were having unprotected sex. Despite this alarming statistic, the number of gay men seeking HIV tests has fallen by 33% since 2000.Another result which surprised professionals was that 7.6% of men admit they have been forced to engage in sexual activity against their will.

The results also revealed the socio-economic influences on sexual behaviour and health, with both the poor and the young being the most unlikely to take a HIV test. Those with higher educational qualifications were the most frequently tested. Mick Quinlan of the Gay Men's Health Project said the results highlighted the need for the continuation of health and education outreach programmes. "These results also draw particular attention to the necessity to promote campaigns among men from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds in order to ensure that all had been exposed to information regarding best sexual health practice," said Mr Quinlan, who attended the fourth annual Gay Health Forum in Dublin Castle. Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

The government has announced plans to include civil partners as eligibile to adopt. Health Minister Paul Goggins says the change will mean that those in civil unions and those who are only in temporary arrangements of the same or different sexes would be able to adopt. Under the current law unmarried persons can adopt children, but there was no provision for civil partners to adopt together. This decision will bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK, which has adopted similar measures over the last year. The Belfast Telegraph quoted Fr. Aidan Troy, a well-known Catholic priest from Ardoyne who supported the move, despite what he called his support for the traditional family. “You have to start from the point of view of what is best for the child,” he said. “We need to ask can a child grow and flourish in this set of circumstances. Then we are able to look at this in relation to adoption.” A more typical Christian response was forthcoming from Rev David McIlveen, of the Free Presbyterian Church, who said changes in the law to allow gay and lesbian couples to adopt would be “not only reprehensible but repulsive”. “The government is trying to promote this as modernisation of the laws but it is liberalisation. It will undermine the structure of family life in Northern Ireland.” Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

An online directory has attracted the attention of the Belfast Telegraph and others by offering details of locations in Ulster where men can cruise for sex. One of the 76 listings for cruising is the public toilets at Railway Road in Coleraine. Following apparent complaints from the public, police mounted a sting operation at the same toilets last year. In an unsurprisingly controversial move, CCTV cameras were installed and ten men were prosecuted last March after pleading guilty to intentional sexual activity. Gay rights activist, Sean Morrin claims the Coleraine incident began when a Loyalist paramilitary group contacted the LGB Officer at Coleraine University and issued a threat to any men involved in sex in public toilets in Coleraine. The PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) were immediately informed. They didn't investigate the threats from Loyalists but decided to pursue the gay/bi men. According to Morrin, they spent up to £100,000 investigating the case. When they appeared in court the Judge asked that the press be sensitive as the men were normally law abiding citizens. However, the press named all men, published their addresses and printed some photographs The Belfast Telegraph seems to be attempting to whip up further homophobia in what is already a community under seige. SDLP Assembly Member for the area John Dallat said the cruising guide proved that more needs to be done to tackle the issue. A PSNI spokesman said sexual activity in public is illegal. "We continue to monitor public toilets for signs of criminal damage, obscene graffiti and other evidence of unlawful activity." Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

Due to the trend for using ‘gay’ as a substitute for ‘lame’ or ‘rubbish’, the BBC has dismissed complaints about its use by Radio 1 jock, Chris Moyles. The complaint also objected to comments made by US rapper, The Game on Jo Whiley’s Radio 1 show and also listed the effeminate Derek on BBC2’s The Catherine Tate Show. BBC governors, recently accused of homophobia by Stonewall, concluded that the items “met the required editorial standards and did not demonstrate homophobia”. The governors' programme complaints committee, which operates independently of the BBC -acknowledged Chris Moyles' description of a ringtone he did not like as "gay" might cause offence. But the use of the word "gay" to mean "lame" or "rubbish" was widespread among young people, it said. "In broadcasting to an audience of predominantly young people, it was to be expected that Chris Moyles would use expressions and words which the listeners used themselves," the committee's report said. "The committee believed that Chris Moyles, when using the word, had meant no offence to gay people. "It did, however, feel that it would be advisable to think more carefully about using the word 'gay' in its derogatory sense in the future." Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

Six months after the Civil Partnerships Act became law in Northern Ireland, the Belfast Telegraph has reported that only 63 civil partnerships have been registered in the province. While some councils in Northern Ireland have yet to register their first civil partnership, Brighton alone has more than 500 bookings for this year. The law allowing same-sex partnerships to have their relationship legally recognised came into force on December 5, 2005. After the required 19-day waiting period, Belfast hosted the UK's first public civil partnership between Shannon Sickles and Grainne Close. It is believed that Belfast has conducted the vast majority of the ceremonies. Callum Webster, Northern Ireland Officer for the Christian Institute, believes the number of civil partnerships will drop after an initial rush. "According to the 2001 census, there are 288 same-sex couple households in the whole of Northern Ireland. So the 63 couples who have formed a civil partnership represent less than 22 per cent of this. "One would have expected a big rush to form civil partnerships as soon as the legislation came into effect. If that big rush is only 63 couples, then the normal take-up rate will be much lower. "It is likely that the break-up rates of civil partnerships will be higher than marriage," Mr Webster added.

PA MacLoughlin, President of the Northern Ireland Gay Rights Association, remains pleased people have the option to have their relationship legally recognised. "Everyone in the gay community is very happy with the legislation, I haven't heard any complaints," he said. "There are very few visibly gay people in Northern Ireland. It is still fairly difficult to be openly gay here. I do think civil partnerships will mirror marriage with break-ups. I would be very surprised if it didn't result in some break-ups." Northern Ireland was the last place in the UK to decriminalise homosexuality and there was opposition to being the first to allow same-sex unions. Several councils had heated debates on whether council property should be used to register the partnerships. In Lisburn, Alliance councillor Seamus Close went against his party's stance and tabled a motion proposing that civil partnerships should 'not be afforded the same recognition' as marriage ceremonies and that council facilities should not be used for same-sex partnerships. A special meeting of the Corporate Services Committee overturned the council motion after a threat of legal action from gay rights campaigners. South Antrim Assemblyman Paul Girvan, a former Mayor of Newtownabbey, is still unhappy at the way the Act was introduced. He believes that by forcing councils to accept the legislation, their autonomy was undermined. "There was no chance to be a conscientious objector," he said. "The manner in which it was presented meant that those objecting were pilloried. "I believe it is flawed in principle, the whole thing, but we have to comply with the legislation. We are required by law to provide nothing but a place to register and in Newtownabbey that's what we have done," he said. A gay man, who did not want to be named, entered a civil partnership in December and said the gay community would grow to appreciate the new law. He said: "We registered at Belfast City Hall because it's a nice building architecturally, there are plenty of good restaurants nearby and the staff were very positive. "Gay people will not want to register their partnership where there is ambivalence or hostility. You wouldn't want to register in Antrim or Lisburn unless you were making a point." He said a lot of gay people are 'living for the day' and not interested in settling down. The new law had much greater significance for professional gay men and women he added. The General Registrar's office would not release figures for individual council areas because they feared individuals could be identified, a consequence of escalating homophobic attacks in Northern Ireland. According to the General Registrar office in Belfast, if a member of staff has objections on religious grounds to being involved in a civil partnership ceremony, another member of staff will officiate. The Government expects between 11,000 and 22,000 people to be in a civil partnership by 2010. Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has criticised the Presbyterian Church in Ireland for opposing civil equality for gays and lesbians ahead of new civil partnership legislation promised by Justice Minister Michael McDowell. The planned legislation appears to reflect a growing realisation in Government that gays and lesbians can no longer be treated as second class citizens without political consequences – although USI continues to campaign for the extension of full marriage rights to all citizens. USI said the Presbyterian Church is one of several Irish Churches currently lobbying the Government to retain laws that discriminate against citizens on the basis of sexual orientation, and it urged all faith groups to respect a necessary separation between Church and State. USI gay and lesbian spokesperson Steven Conlon said: “That the Presbyterian General Assembly should be turned into a forum for undisguised political lobbying is of great concern to students. “USI believes that religion is a matter for private consciences not public laws, and we oppose ministers of religion seeking to impose their religious viewpoints on ministers of government. “Instead of seeking to exert pressure on the Government to implement an anti-gay agenda, USI urges all churches to embrace civil equality for all citizens regardless of sexual orientation”. Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

The Gender Equality Unit of YouthAction Northern Ireland was the only recipient of the Diana Fund in the province this year, receiving a £170,000 grant over a three-year period for the Out and About young gay women's group. Director of YouthAction, June Trimble said the decision showed true courage and understanding despite attracting controversy and condemnation from the usual homophobic sources. She believes the late Diana, Princess of Wales would have approved of the work of the unit in supporting vulnerable young women. "Young people have a hard enough time growing up in today's society without the added pressures and problems which come with sexual confusion and disorientation," said June, who has more than 20 years of experience with YouthAction. Over recent years our organisation had identified a need for more specific youth work to reach out to young lesbian women in our province. There was nowhere really for them to go to be themselves outside of the whole club scene, which meant many of them were simply hiding away. Their low self esteem and the high incidences of depression and self-harm within their sector meant that they had no real personal or professional prospects."
Under the leadership of youth worker Gail Neill, the Gender Equality Unit, which works specifically with marginalised young women, including lesbians, young mothers, travellers and those with disabilities, established the Out and About Group. The aim was to re-educate young lesbian women and provide them with vital life and social skills as well as basic training programmes. "A core group of dedicated women travelled to Belfast to meet together every week," Gail said. "The fact that they were prepared to travel from all over the province just to find a safe space to be themselves for a few hours once a week speaks volumes. The Diana Funding will allow this to branch out into other areas of the province and provide these support services to more and more women. Essentially, we offer a comprehensive personal development programme which looks at identity and assertiveness as well as specific training and qualifications. We have also worked together to provide literature and a CDrom to offer advice and support to other young women in similar situations. These have been distributed into pubs and clubs and places where the women can easily access the information. We want as many people as possible to know about the Out and About Group and the Diana funding will allow us to raise our profile. It is essential that no-one is left feeling isolated and vulnerable regardless of where they live."

The group has lots of future events and programmes in the pipeline and will be working closing with representatives from the Diana Fund in London, who will be monitoring progress and how the allocated funding is being used. "We plan to develop health resources and training packs for those who work with young people and the current Out and About Group of young women will act as an advisory group to the overall project," Gail said. We will also be making a short film which will highlight the experiences of other young women here in Northern Ireland and issues they have deal with - this will act as support and a vital resource to others." Further information on the Out and About Group can be obtained on 9076 0067. Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

Former DUP Assembly member Paul Berry has said that he considered suicide after he was shunned following newspaper allegations against him last year. Berry, will tell tonight's Insight programme on UTV how he watched his career collapse around him after the Sunday World reported that he was about to meet a male masseur in a Belfast hotel. The allegations came just a week before last May's Westminster elections. In his first television interview since then Mr Berry talks about his party's threat to discipline him and his subsequent resignation from the DUP. In the programme he admits making a massive error in going to that Belfast hotel. "I was there, yes, and there's no use in trying to sort of dress it up. I made a massive error of judgment. I was foolish in being there." And as to the central allegation of a gay encounter, he says while he was there no homosexual activity took place. "I'm not gay", he said. The programme looks at Berry's life in the last 12 months. He explains how he decided to take the DUP on over its decision to discipline him and how that nearly had a worse effect than the initial allegations. He and his family were shunned. The man with everything to live for now had little to cling to but close family, and at times thought that if only he could take his own life it might solve everything. "There were times when it actually did go through your head and saying, look if I was to end all of this here my family and those close to me would obviously grieve but at least it would be resolved." Insight also followed Berry as he travelled to Stormont for the return of the Assembly last week. Insight 'A Fall from Grace' will be broadcast on UTV at 8pm. Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

An unnamed gay warehouse worker who claimed he was discriminated against and harassed because he was gay, has received a £5,000 settlement from the fashion chain Next Plc. The case, which was supported by the Northern Ireland Equality Commission, was brought to the Industrial Tribunal under the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (NI) 2003. In it, a 23 year old man from Belfast complained that he was subjected to homophobic harassment while working in a warehouse at Nutts Corner in June and July 2004; and that he left his employment as a result. He claimed he was subjected to verbal abuse including name-calling and insults and his voice was mimicked in a way that was designed to insult him. He alleged that he was also humiliated by inappropriate questions about his sexual preferences.
In settling the case, Next plc maintained a denial of liability in respect of his claim but also acknowledged that the employee had brought the proceedings in good faith. The company reaffirmed its continued commitment to the principle of equality of opportunity and undertook to train all temporary staff employed in its warehouse in its equal opportunities policies. Eileen Lavery, Head of Strategic Enforcement in the Equality Commission, welcomed this, the second settlement supported by the Commission under the recent laws protecting people from discrimination at work on grounds of sexual orientation.

Last year the Commission had over 200 enquiries relating to sexual orientation. While three in four of these were seeking general information, 52 of them were from people who were concerned about discrimination or potential discrimination and sought advice from our Strategic Enforcement Division. "Homophobic behaviour is, unfortunately, all too common in our society and can easily surface as bullying in the workplace unless employers take firm measures to confront it," Ms. Lavery said. "The largest percentage of our advice calls on sexual orientation relate to harassment in the workplace. "Today is International Day Against Homophobia. This is a day when organisations can take stock and make sure that all their employees and managers are aware that homophobic comments are not harmless "banter", but are in fact unlawful and that the company regards such behaviour as totally unacceptable." She said it was commendable that Next plc have agreed in this settlement to undertake training particularly focused on their temporary warehouse staff. "This emphasises the point that equality laws are there to protect all employees, temporary or permanent, full-time or part-time, against harassment and discrimination of all kinds. By bringing this case with the support of the Equality Commission this man has not only challenged the treatment he was confronted with, but has also been able to improve the situation for other gay people at work. Hurtful and insulting remarks can create an intolerable atmosphere and no-one should have to put up with them. Hopefully the outcome of this case will highlight the fact that the law now protects everyone against discrimination because of their sexual orientation," Ms Lavery concluded. Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has expressed dismay that marriage equality has been sidestepped by the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in its new report on the rights of same-sex and opposite-sex couples. Same-sex marriage is a popular option in EU countries which recognise the right of gay and lesbian people to wed. In Catholic Spain, an estimated 2,000 gay individuals have married since last July. Meanwhile the Dutch Government reports that more than 16,000 of its lesbian and gay citizens have chosen to marry. The evidence from Spain and the Netherlands appears to contradict a suggestion by Justice Minister Michael McDowell that most gay people in Ireland do not want the right to choose civil marriage. Following the recommendations of the IHRC report, McDowell has proposed state recognition of civil unions for same-sex couples as an alternative to marriage equality. USI gay and lesbian spokesperson Steven Conlon said: “Civil marriage is a civil right, not one that can be restricted to groups of people that the Government favours, while being denied to others. “USI believes in equality under the law. If governments create special alternative laws and institutions for minority groups, in an attempt to give them ‘separate but equal’ treatment, this inevitably creates second-class citizens. History offers ample proof of this. “Not only do citizens have the civil right to marry whom they choose, they also have the civil right to be subject to identical laws and institutions. Civil partnerships are a step in the right direction – and the IHRC report is to be welcomed for giving new impetus to the Government’s proposed civil partnership bill – but USI believes that nothing short of marriage equality meets the Irish Government’s responsibility to treat all citizens as equal under the law.” Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

Norther Ireland born cabinet minister Ruth Kelly has been attacked by gay rights supporters in her new role as Minister for Communities and Local Government - only five days after taking up the post. Criticism has been revived that her deep religious faith and association with the conservative Catholic lay organisation Opus Dei make her unsuitable for a social rights ministerial job. In interviews yesterday, Ms Kelly refused to rule out homosexuality as a sin and declined to support a right of same sex partners to adopt children. On BBC Five Live she said: "I'm sort of getting used to these questions as I go from one department to another. Is it possible to be a practising Catholic and hold a portfolio in government? The answer is 'yes'. Why? Because I'm collectively responsible for cabinet decisions and I firmly believe in equality and I believe everyone should be protected from discrimination." Pressed again, she replied: "I don't think it is right for politicians to start making moral judgements about people." Leading gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said her appointment showed the Government "does not take gay rights seriously." Lib Dem equality spokesman Lorely Burt joined the assault, asking: " How can the gay community trust equal rights legislation to be enforced when Ruth Kelly has such an ambiguous record"? Commons voting records show that Ms Kelly was absent for 15 key votes on homosexuality and human rights since 1997. Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

Attacks on transgender people will be counted among possible hate crimes for the first time in Northern Ireland from today, as police attempt to tackle violence in the province. Officers will now record anti-transgender attacks to create a stronger appreciation of how bad violence is against transgender people. The system will follow similar recording systems in place for homophobic, racist and sectarian attacks. The Police Service of Northern Ireland says it hopes the new system will help it tackle the problem of violence in the province more effectively. Gay rights groups have welcomed the move, saying reporting of homophobic attacks has encouraged more victims to come forward. "Transphobia is something that is very, very real and experienced by transgender people on a daily basis," said David McCartney of the Rainbow Project, an LGBT activist group. "It can be only minor verbal abuse, but it can have serious long-term implications for the health and welfare of the individual concerned." "There are also many more serious incidents, and it is extremely important that these are recorded," McCartney said. However, the DUP political party has slammed the proposals, with one party figure telling the Belfast Telegraph that it is "political correctness gone mad." "One way of ensuring that people think they are different is to record the crimes against them individually," said outgoing DUP Policing Board member Sammy Wilson. Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

Former Boyzone star Stephen Gately is the latest gay star to take advantage of the new civil partnership laws, marrying his boyfriend in London yesterday. The private ceremony between Gately and Andy Cowles, 30, took place in a hotel near Buckingham Palace. It follows a commitment ceremony the pair held in Las Vegas three years ago, after which they said they would be looking to make their partnership legal as soon as possible. According to press reports, the exact number of celebrities attending the ceremony was not confirmed. A press spokesperson said the ceremony was private for family and friends. However, fellow Boyzone members and Sir Elton John were tipped to attend, as well as his former manager Louis Walsh.

The first magazine to target lesbian and gay people in Northern Ireland will be officially launched in Belfast tonight. Icon is thought to be the first magazine to focus solely on the gay community and scene in the province, and is thought to be a result of the ever expanding range of gay services and clubs available. As well as articles on the Belfast Film Festival and interviews with celebrities, the first issue of the magazine will also feature articles from noted campaigners in the province, including the Rainbow Project's Sean Morrin and PA Mag Lochlainn. The team behind the magazine say they hope it will offer information, guidance and support to lesbians and gay people in Northern Ireland, claiming the province is usually overlooked by both the British and Irish press. "We recognised that local people like local information, be it on pubs, clubs, fashion or music and that the established publications were not meeting this clearly lacking demand - despite claiming to. For years we've been in the shadows with features on Dublin or the mainland taking the spotlight but not for much longer." Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

Out On Your Own is a Conference on the Mental Health of Young Gay and Bisexual Men and takes place on Wednesday 29 March 2006 at the Hilton Hotel, Lanyon Place, Belfast. Over the last three years, The Rainbow Project's 'Boyz II Men' programme has been engaged in new research into the mental health of young gay and bisexual men in Northern Ireland. The research findings are now complete, the research reveals the incidence of poor mental health, suicidal ideation and self-harm among young gay and bisexual men. It also examines how young gay and bisexual men's mental health has been affected by society's attitudes to people of non-heterosexual orientation. This is a unique chance to learn first-hand about the mental health of young gay and bisexual men. Moreover, the conference will also provide an opportunity to learn about other research and best practice in this area, and encourage informed discussion on the subject. If you are interested in attending the conference, please download the information and booking form here. Places are limited, so to avoid disappointment, please book early. 'Boyz II Men' is funded by The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

Many lesbian, gay and bisexual students face high levels of verbal and physical homophobic abuse, a conference in Belfast heard today. Evelyn Collins, chief executive of the Equality Commission, warned delegates at the Ramada Hotel that such problems can lead to reduced educational attainment, a high drop-out rate for lesbian, gay and bisexual students and a worrying number of attempted suicides. Ms Collins challenged the participants to make a commitment at the highest levels to ensure that sexual orientation is given the same priority as other equality grounds. "The law provides protection against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, but we know that prejudice and discrimination is still prevalent against lesbian, gay and bisexual people," she said. "Research covering young people and students has revealed high levels of verbal and physical homophobic abuse and bullying. Providers of vocational training and education should be proactive and have measures already in place to prevent discrimination and to make sure that any complaints made are dealt with promptly and effectively." Ms Collins continued: "This conference aimed to raise awareness of the issues facing lesbian, gay and bisexual staff and students and to challenge the institutions involved to bring about change that can make a real and lasting difference. We must work together to build an equality culture in each university or college in which all staff and students, regardless of their sexual orientation, are treated equally and with respect." Representatives from universities, further and higher education colleges, trade unions and groups representing the gay community attended the Equality Commission conference. Speakers from the Association of University Colleges, student unions, NUS-USI, the Association of University Teachers and The Rainbow Project dealt with issues of good practice and legal responsibilities for universities, colleges and providers of vocational training and spelt out what measures these bodies can take to deliver equality in relation to sexual orientation. Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

Romantic souls looking for a precise card for their loved ones are in luck - the first same-sex Valentine's Day card has been launched. The card, launched by Byrne's book shop in Wexford, is aimed at local lesbians and gay men who want to send a mystery card to their sweetheart. It has been launched along with a variety of other cards, including ones printed in Polish, Latvian and Portuguese and ones for blind people. Owner Jim Byrne told the Wexford People that the cards were a "celebration" of Ireland's diversity. "We all know that love knows no barriers and now, thanks to a unique range of Valentine's cards, love is in the air regardless of your nationality or lifestyle. Here is a niche market for products such as these and we are delighted to provide for people who have previously had little option but to use inappropriate cards." he added. Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

DUP Assembly member Paul Berry today quit his party following tabloid allegations about his private life. The Newry and Armagh representative took legal action against the DUP leadership in a bid to stop disciplinary action against him following newspaper claims that he met a male masseur at a Belfast hotel during the last General Election campaign. But today the High Court was told that Berry has decided to resign and has agreed to pay £3,000 towards his legal costs. Berry - who is married - was suspended from the party last July after allegations about his private life were printed in the Sunday World. The 29-year-old, who was not in court today, could not be contacted for comment. His constituency office said he was not available. The DUP had planned to hold a disciplinary hearing but Berry had gained an injunction stopping the party from taking further internal proceedings. The injunction was discharged today. There was immediate speculation his departure could cost the DUP a seat on the reconstituted Policing Board - and an Executive position in the unlikely event one is formed before a new Assembly election. It is understood the collapse of the case came about after a man at the heart of the newspaper allegations made available over 20 text messages from his mobile.In a statement issued by his solicitors, Berry said he would continue to represent his constituency. "The past number of months have been a particularly stressful time and we want closure on this matter. We have come to the conclusion that there is no future for me within the DUP and on that basis we have decided that it is best for me to resign," he said. Mr Berry spoke of the "great reluctance" of bringing injunction proceedings against the DUP but added: "I wanted to ensure that their disciplinary process was fair, lawful and came to a just outcome in keeping with the principles of natural justice. It is unfortunate that this issue remains unsolved." The DUP's solicitor, John McBurney, said it was an action the party consider should never have been brought. DUP officers issued a statement that they had been "vindicated". Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

A gay man has lost the sight in one eye, in what police have described as an anti-gay attack. The 20 year old unnamed victim was beaten in Londonderry on Sunday morning, in an apparently unprovoked attack. He was punched in the face and beaten to the ground and will now be kept at the Altnagelvin Hospital, where his injuries are being treated. The hospital says the attack will result in him losing an eye. Derry has been the centre of focus in recent months, after a spate of homophobic attacks. As well as verbal and physical attacks, some gay men have had graffiti daubed on their homes, been stabbed and had death threats. According to press reports, the current victim has been attacked before. Sean Morris of the Rainbow Project said "This is a horrific attack on an innocent member of the public simply and for no other reason than that he identifies as a gay man, action needs to be taken to clamp down on gay attacks in the city and across Northern Ireland in general. We need to get the person responsible for this off the streets before we are burying someone. The perpetrator of this hatred made it very clear to the victim why he was attacking him and I am aware that police are following a clear line of enquiry." Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

A gay man has said he is being hounded out of his home by homophobic attacks, after his house was daubed with graffiti. John Boyle, 44, told the Belfast Telegraph that he may have to leave his Ballymoney home because of the attacks. He warns that the homophobic abuse is increasing in severity and leaving him little choice but to leave the area. Before the most recent graffiti, he has suffered anti-gay verbal abuse from neighbours while his house has been pelted with stones and had his door kicked. "I would say the reason I was targeted is because of my sexual preference," he told the newspaper. "The harassment has occurred throughout the year but has increased in the last few weeks, this makes me feel insecure in my home and if it continues obviously I would have to seek other accommodation." The attack comes after reports of similar attacks over the last 12 months. Other people in the region have been beaten because of their sexuality and had their homes daubed with anti-gay slogans. One gay man also had death threats and another excrement posted through his door. Police say they are determined to crack down on homophobic crime in Northern Ireland after figures released last year suggest individual cases are spiralling. "We are very concerned about that type of crime and will be pushing the boat out to catch those responsible," a Police spokesperson told the Telegraph. Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballymoney police on 0845 6008000 or phone Crimestoppers freephone number 0800 555111. Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

Ireland should introduce a legal system similar to the UK's civil partnerships legislation, according to a new report. The survey, which follows a year of consultation on the issue of gay marriage and same-sex relationships, says that the government must act quickly to equalise the situation between Eire and Northern Ireland. The North received civil partnerships last month, despite same-sex couples on the other side of the border having no legal recognition. The study, from Ireland's Equality Authority, said the government must act rapidly to address this inequity. "There's a significant lack of equivalents in relation to civil partnership and partnership rights for gay people," said Niall Crowley, CEO of the Equality Authority. "There's also a significant lack of equivalents to transsexual people and a legal recognition for them in their gender identity of choice. "Clearly we need to look at those areas and introduce legislation to build equivalents." Ireland's Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said last week that he would back legal recognition of same-sex couples. However, he rejected the idea of full gay marriage, warning that the option could slow the recognition on offer to couples. "I would rather do the things that I think I can usefully do," he said last week. "Perhaps on other days, people can do other things." But Eoin Collins, the director of Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN), said the Prime Minister should have more courage on the issue. "There is now a great opportunity for the Irish Government to go beyond simple equivalence with the North and to re-establish the lead in human rights it had established with the equality legislation," the group said. "It can do this by becoming the sixth country in the world to enact equal access to civil marriage for same sex couples." Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

In a move designed to make St Patrick's Day a more neutral celebration, Belfast City Council is to ditch the traditional green shamrock with its republican connotations and introduce a multi-coloured version at this year's parade. The council forgot, however, that the colours of the rainbow also make up the flag of the gay community across the world, prompting delight from the city's gay rights campaigners. Others accuse councillors of being 'politically correct' and 'daft'. The rainbow shamrock, suggested by the St Patrick's Day Carnival Committee, is one of a series of changes instigated by City Hall. Irish tricolours, Glasgow Celtic tops and republican bands will not be welcome; the red-and-white Cross of the St Patrick flag will be. James Knox, a policy director at the Belfast-based gay pressure group the Rainbow Project, described the shamrock colour change as 'hilarious, but also an opportunity.' It is said to be encouraging the gay community to apply to march in the parade on 17 March. Sinn Fein councillors at City Hall said it would be 'brilliant' if the gay community joined the carnival. But Ulster Unionist councillor Jim Rodgers, a former lord mayor of the city, called the rainbow Shamrock 'silly and politically correct'. For the first time in its history Belfast City Council passed a motion last week calling for financial support for the carnival. A combination of Sinn Fein, SDLP and Alliance votes secured £100,000 for the festival's organisers. In return they agreed to a set of guidelines aimed at making the carnival more politically and culturally neutral. Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum

Northern Ireland's Equality Commission has been asked to investigate Lisburn City Council, after Sinn Féin accused the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of homophobia. Sinn Féin councillors have asked for the inquest after the DUP put forward a motion that could allow opponents of civil partnerships to refuse to complete any work associated with the new laws. The motion means that those who say they cannot undertake any work with same-sex couples or those who refuse to do any work on civil partnerships will not be disciplined. Sinn Fein says the motion is the latest attempt by DUP councillors to block the civil partnerships laws through any means necessary. Last year, the council had proposed to bar the use of its marriage suite - known as the Cherry Room- for civil partnerships, warning that to allow lesbian and gay couples to hold ceremonies there would undermine traditional marriage. After threats of legal action, the council withdrew the proposal and allowed couples to use all civic buildings to hold civil partnership ceremonies. Sinn Féin councillor Paul Butler told the Northern Irish press that Lisburn is doing nothing to alter its reputation as "the most bigoted council in the North". "Lisburn council has already been made a fool over its attempts to ban same-sex couples from the Cherry Room. Now it's trying to ban the gay community by another means. DUP councillors said the motion stemmed from religious opposition to the new laws, which came into force in December.

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