Equality authority advisory committee on lesbians, gays and bisexuals

The Equality Authority has established an Advisory Committee to address issues of relevance to lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. This is the first advisory committee to be established by the Equality Authority (EA). It is envisaged that further Advisory Committees will be established by the EA as the need arises.

It is hoped that the Advisory Committee will help the EA to:

• Bring visibility to lesbian and gay equality issues
• Give definition to the equal opportunities agenda for lesbians and gay men
• Identify steps for the EA to take under the sexual orientation ground

The Terms of Reference of the Advisory Committee are:

• To identify examples of best practice, drawing from experience in other jurisdictions, in promoting equality under the sexual orientation ground.
• To explore the relevance of heterosexism and homophobia in an Irish context.
• To develop a perspective to inform policy making.
• To propose a programme of action to promote equal opportunities in employment and service provision.
• To recommend a role for the Equality Authority within this agenda for action.

The committee will focus on a number of key areas, including:

• Education
• Training and Employment
• Services
• Partnership Rights
• Equality proofing
• Empowerment
• Harassment and Violence
• Legislation and Legal Issues

Members of the Advisory Committee represent a range of lesbian and gay organisations, the Departments of Education and Health and the Equality Authority Board. Orla Egan, Director of the HEEU, is a member of the Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee began meeting in December 1999. A report will be submitted to the Equality Authority within the coming months.