Equality
Current Equality News
Equality News
June 2013
European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights Report
On 17th May, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) launched a LGBT survey report. This report details the results of an online survey conducted with over 93,000 LGBT people across 27 EU states and Croatia. Some of the findings include:
- In the year preceding the survey, which was conducted in 2012, almost half of the respondents had felt personally discriminated against or harassed on the grounds of sexual orientation;
- A large number of respondents said they had been discriminated against in various areas of life, in particular in employment and education;
- In the 12 months before the survey, one-third of the respondents said they felt discriminated against in at least one of the following areas because of being LGBT: housing, healthcare, education, social services and access to goods and services;
Employment
- One in five who had been employed in the year preceding the survey had felt discriminated against at work or when looking for a job.
- Of those respondents who had a paid job at any time during the last five years:
- 67% had heard or seen negative comments or conduct towards a colleague perceived to be LGBT.
- 66% had experienced a generally negative attitude towards LGBT people.
- 56% of all respondents said there is a law that forbids discrimination against persons of their sexual orientation when applying for a job in the country where they live.
Schooling
- More than 8 in 10 of all respondents had witnessed negative comments or conduct during their schooling because a schoolmate was perceived to be LGBT:
- 49% had often seen or heard negative comments because a school mate was perceived to be LGBT during their schooling before the age of 18.
- 19% had always seen or heard negative comments because a school mate was perceived to be LGBT during their schooling before the age of 18.
- 24% had rarely seen or heard negative comments because a school mate was perceived to be LGBT during their schooling before the age of 18.
- 9% had never seen or heard negative comments because a school mate was perceived to be LGBT during their schooling before the age of 18.
Ireland
- 47% of those surveyed in Ireland felt discriminated or harassed in the last 12 months on the grounds of sexual orientation. This figure equates with the EU average.
- 18% of the respondents felt discriminated in the last 12 months when looking for a job and/or at work;
- 35% of the respondents felt discriminated against in the last 12 months in areas other than employment because of being LGBT. This is higher than the EU average of 32%;
- 93% of respondents had heard negative comments or seen negative conduct because a schoolmate was perceived to be LGBT during their schooling before the age of 18. The EU average was 91%.
- 72% of respondents had "always" or "often" hidden or disguised being LGBT during their schooling before the age of 18. The EU average was 67%.
To download the report click on the following link:
Understanding and Preventing Racist Bullying in the Primary School
The module is for schools and teachers to assist in the prevention and resolution of racist bullying in primary schools will close at the end of June. The course is free will be available and can be used by whole school staffs who wish to work on the issue, or by individual teachers with an interest in the area. If you would still like to complete the module log on to www.intolearning.ie
Gay Pride Parades
Gay Pride parades will take place in the following cities:
- Dublin – 29th June
- Belfast – 6th July
- Limerick – 7th September
The theme for this year's parade is "Visibility, Diversity, Equality".
All welcome to attend/participate.