lgb&t news June 2015
Where is our promised Sexual Orientation Strategy and Action Plan? The Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998 and since then the Northern Ireland (NI) Executive has time and time again committed themselves to the formulation and introduction of a sexual orientation strategy and action plan. 17 years later and the lesbian, gay and bisexual community are still waiting. In 2006, under Westminster direct-rule, OFM/DFM developed a draft strategy and action plan which underwent public consultation. Following the completion of the consultation process, devolution was restored to the NI Assembly and as a consequence the draft strategy and action plan was shelved. LGB sector organisations and trade unions have continually lobbied NI Executive Ministers to introduce a sexual orientation strategy and action plan and this campaign has been stepped up in recent years. The NIPSA LGB&T Group have made numerous representations on this issue to OFM/DFM and its Ministers through a number of fora. Unfortunately, OFM/DFM Ministers continue to commit themselves to the introduction of a strategy but with every date set, we see it come and go. Continued on Page 3 Ref A4_0535