But today marks International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia and, along with it, the release of a major EU-wide poll finding that a quarter of those surveyed had been subjected to attacks or violent threats in the past five years.
More than half had not reported the attack, believing the authorities would not take action – revealing a worrying disjoint between our assumptions and the reality experienced by gay people day to day.
Indeed while laws are changing, it seems there is still some work to be done on changing attitudes.
Here in the UK, the Marriage (Same Sex
Couples) Bill marks a historic step in the right direction for marriage
equality, but there are still obstacles
to true parity in the Bill – in particular an
unjust provision which will see gay couples treated less favourably under occupational pension schemes.
Gay employees pay into their pension
schemes in the same way as their straight counterparts, yet may be entitled to just a fraction of the survivor benefits
for their partners and spouses.
The government argues that
addressing this inequality would create unforeseen costs for pension schemes
but this is no justification for discrimination.
Dr Caroline Lucas MP has tabled an amendment to the Bill – suggested by Liberty - asking that MPs take a stand on this anomalous and discriminatory pension issue. You can help by emailing your MP and asking them to vote for the amendment and ensure true equality for gay couples.
As today’s poll shows, it is not enough to be seen to be doing the right thing, there are real battles for equality that we still need to fight and win.
