- Inaugural All-Island Trade Union LGBT Conference
Opening the inaugural Irish Congress of Trade Unions LGBT conference in Belfast on 30 November 2016, the Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Mary Ellen Campbell called for LGBT equality to be prioritised in workplaces and in society.
Speaking to delegates, the Deputy Lord Mayor said: "I am delighted to welcome this important conference to Belfast and I applaud the trade union movement for its proactive work on behalf of LGBT workers."
Congress Equality Officer for Northern Ireland Clare Moore said : "We should be proud of the important strides which have been taken in relation to LGBT equality. However, research carried out by the Rainbow Project in 2011 showed that far too many lesbian, gay and bisexual people were still hiding their sexuality at their workplace for fear of being bullied or losing out in career opportunities. This is unfair and inefficient and why it is so important that trade unions continue work with employers to champion equality and diversity across all workplaces. Workplaces without fear means workers who are happier and more productive.
'trade Unions are also campaigning for equal rights for LGB&T people in all aspects of their lives and this is why Congress is a member of the Love Equality campaign for civil marriage equality in Northern Ireland."
David Joyce, Congress Equality Officer in the Republic added: "We are proud of positive the role that trade unions played in the succesful Marriage Equality campaign and will work to achieve marriage equality for all citizens in Northern Ireland," she said.
Keynote speakers Grainne Healy (Director of the Yes Equality referendum campaign) and John O"Doherty (Love Equality Campaign) will discuss lessons learned from the marriage equality campaign in the Republic of Ireland and how these might be applied to achieve marriage equality in Northern Ireland. A range of other speakers will present key issues for transgender workers as well as best practice in relation to promoting LGBT equality in every workplace.
