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GAY BELFAST NEWS FOR JANUARY 2004
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Government proposals for same-sex civil partnerships in Northern Ireland (29 January 2004)
The Office of Law Reform for Northern Ireland has published a consultation document on the creation of a same-sex civil partnership register for the province. This follows on from the government's intention to introduce a Civil Partnerships Bill in England and Wales. The document focuses on the rights and responsibilities of such a partnership; during the partnership, on dissolution and following the death of a civil partner. This is obviously a milestone in addressing the serious inequality and social injustice faced by LGBT people in committed relationships. "CIVIL PARTNERSHIP: A LEGAL STATUS FOR COMMITTED SAME-SEX COUPLES IN NORTHERN IRELAND" can be viewed Click Here. The consultation period closes on Friday 5 March 2004.
Third of gay young people in NI attempt suicide (14 January 2004)
Nearly a third of young lesbian and gay people in Northern Ireland have tried to kill themselves because of ongoing persecution and bullying, according to a new survey. Just over 29% of gay respondents to the Department of Education poll said they had attempted suicide, with as many as 50% saying they suffered some sort of bullying regarding their sexuality. Additionally, 26% of young people self-harmed as a way of dealing with the pressures they faced regarding their sexuality. Carried out online through the Youth-Net group, and supporting partners throughout the region, the survey also reveals that lesbian and gay teenagers and young people are 20 times more likely to suffer eating disorders then their heterosexual peers. Campaigning groups say the research is evidence that authorities in the region need to "wake up" to the issue of young lesbian and gay people. "This report makes very stark reading which reflects the isolation these young people are facing here," Youth-Net Director, Dennis Palmer says. It follows a survey last year that found homophobia to be "normal and justifiable to many" throughout Northern Ireland, with 8 out of 10 people suffering verbal and physical abuse at a regular occurrence. The study led to a stand off between local police and gay rights groups Northern Ireland Gay Rights Association (NIGRA), who warned that the police were not acting quickly enough to stamp out homophobia. However the PSNI said they worked hard to ensure all reports were followed up and homophobic hate crime was dealt with effectively.
Some of Northern Ireland's top beauty spots are set to be the venues for gay weddings (4 January 2004)
For the National Trust is expected to give the green light for the gay commitment ceremonies to be held at their properties, across Northern Ireland. The move is expected to be rubber-stamped in the next few months following the lead given by the National Trust in England. It is expected to host its first commitment ceremonies early this year, at a number of its selected country houses. It follows plans by the Government to introduce civil partnerships for gay couples, which enable them to receive certain rights, in line with married heterosexual couples. A spokesman for National Trust Northern Ireland said last night: "At the moment, for this region, we are still discussing the issue, and a decision will be taken in the new year. However, the National Trust is an organisation that has as its ethos, that it is for evermore and for everyone, without discrimination. The move will see beauty spots, such Mount Stewart and Florence Court, host gay weddings, from next summer. Other potential venues would include The Argory, in Co Tyrone, Mussenden Temple, in Co Londonderry, and Castle Coole, in Co Fermanagh. The president of the Northern Ireland Gay Rights Association (NIGRA), PA MagLochloinn, backed the move. He said: "I think they would be great venues for marriages, and would encourage people to use them. They are a lot more attractive than a lot of the churches that people choose to get married in."
HIV Warning: Threat of HIV Hangs Over Northern Ireland's Youth (30 November 2003)
Young people in Northern Ireland could be facing an HIV "explosion", according to local health authorities, with cases of new infections growing at an unprecedented rate. The province has seen the number of cases double this year, but AIDS awareness charities say the message is still not getting through to young people. They add that the majority of people think the virus is only in large cities and that Northern Ireland is safe from it. "They have to realise that it is here and people are dying. The whole issue needs to be taken more seriously in the Province. People don't seem to accept that HIV and AIDS are here in Northern Ireland." said Colin Angus of AIDS 2000.
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