date: 18 November 2008
embargo: 00.01hrs Thursday 20 November 2008
TUC calls for end to discrimination against transgender people
The TUC is calling on employers to stop discriminating against transgender people in the workplace on International Trans Memorial Day today (Thursday).
Violent attacks on people because of their sexuality are well documented - much less well known are the murderous assaults committed against transgender people.
In September 2008 at least 25 transgender people were murdered across the world, for no other reason than the fact that they were different. International Trans Memorial Day will remember trans people across the world who have been the victims of such crimes, and aims to bring them to public attention.
In Britain the trans community continues to face violent physical attacks, alongside prejudice and discrimination in communities and at work.
The TUC has worked with transgender union members and with representatives of the trans community to campaign for Britain's equality laws to provide comprehensive protection from discrimination for trans people.
Although there have been improvements to the law, there remain gaps and widespread exemptions that leave trans people without full protection.
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'Discrimination, hatred and violence are part of the daily lives of far too many in Britain, and employers need to make sure all their employees are working in safe environments free from discrimination.
'Unions need to step up campaigning for equality for trans people in the UK. We will shortly have a new Equality Act and the TUC will be pressing for complete protection for those people who identify with the opposite gender to the one that they were born.
'The murderous attacks on trans people worldwide - and the assaults we know take place in Britain - show that this community faces prejudice and bigotry.
'If Britain is to be a truly equal and inclusive society we need to understand the issues facing trans people, and develop practical steps to end discrimination in workplaces, and in society at large.'
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The figure of 25 trans people murdered globally in September is from the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) website: www.trans.ilga.org/trans
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Contacts:
Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk
Press release (500 words) issued 20 Nov 2008
