date: 9 November 2005

embargo: For immediate release

TUC heralds real advance for lesbian and gay equality

Commenting today (Wednesday) on the news that the Equality Bill has been changed to give lesbians and gay men protection from discrimination as consumers, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'The TUC has long campaigned for true equality for gay people in every aspect of their lives. Lord Alli's goods and services amendment to the Equality Bill will ensure that lesbians and gay men can no longer be turned away or refused services by companies that discriminate against gay people as customers.

'Today's amendment outlaws homophobia for once and for all and we are delighted that our hard work and that of Stonewall has finally achieved equality. The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Alan Johnson MP must be congratulated for intervening and helping this amendment become a reality.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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Contacts:

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E: dashley@tuc.org.uk

Press release (300 words) issued 9 Nov 2005