Islington celebrates success in Diversity Awards and launches new sexual orientation equalities scheme

Islington Council is redoubling its commitment to keeping discrimination out of its offices, playgrounds and public services.

Islington's new Sexual Orientation Equalities Scheme (SOES) - thought to be one of the first in the country - aims to ensure that residents and staff who are lesbian, gay or bisexual have their basic rights and freedoms respected.

Islington Council's robust defence of equality was recently tested in a landmark case of a registrar who refused to conduct Civil Partnerships because her religious beliefs prevented her from conducting the same sex ceremonies. This week it was announced that the council is one of Stonewall's Top 100 Employers for 2009, one of only two London boroughs to make the top 100.

Cllr Ruth Polling, Islington Council's executive member for equalities, said: "We think it's important that none of our residents or staff experience discrimination and everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their potential.

"We are a very diverse borough in so many ways - we see that as a positive advantage - and we are working hard to meet the needs of all our communities to promote social cohesion.

"Our Sexual Orientation Equalities Scheme will help the Council lead by example in tackling discrimination and creating a culture within which everyone can thrive.

"February is LGBT History Month and in Islington we'll be celebrating that, so what better time to launch our anti-discrimination scheme."

Islington Council wants people to report incidents of homophobic abuse or bullying so that the council and its partners can take action, whether its against neighbours, school pupils, LBBT businesses or in the workplace.

Islington Council's Sexual Orientation Equality Scheme(SOES) is expected to be agreed by the Council Executive on 15 January 2009.

For more information on LGBT History Month in Islington, visit: www.islington.gov.uk/lgbthistorymonth

ENDS