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UNISON L&G News for the West Midlands
May 2002 – Volume 3, Issue 2
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(click on the links below for the article you'd like to read) Civil Partnership Bill; Hope on the Horizon “ Towards Equality and Diversity”
Civil Partnership Bill : Hope on the Horizon Liberal Democrat Peer
Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC, introduced a Civil Partnership Bill to the
House of Lords on 25 January.
Angela Mason of
Stonewall said “We took time drawing up the bill because the hope is that it
will form the basis of future law.
The bill would give legal recognition to same-sex couples. It deals primarily with issues affecting communal property, including pensions, tenancy rights, next of kin status and the right to sue for damages in the event of a partner’s death. Registered couples would forfeit their tax advantage and possible advantages with regards to means-tested benefits. The bill will be
delayed whilst the government examines the issues more closely. It is
believed that this will include monitoring the London Partnership Register. Lord Lester of Herne
Hill has announced that he will wait for the next session of parliament in
November 2002, to press fro a Select Committee to consider the Bill and take
further evidence.
In the meantime, the
issue will remain on the public agenda. A ten minute rule bill introduced
by Jane Griffiths for Reading East last year, will have its second reading
in the Commons in May.
Information from Diva April 2002 and Diva
May 2002
Lesbian & Gay Branch Meetings
Birmingham Branch Sadly, the confidential lesbian and gay helpline has
ceased to exist. We are unclear at the moment if lesbian and gay branch
meetings are still happening and would suggest you contact the branch for
more current information on 0121 631 1136. Hereford &
Worcestershire
Come and join us for an informal meeting. Get support,
raise workplace issues and find out more about your union. Please join us
regardless of which branch you are a member of in either county. Future
meeting are on Wednesday May 15th and July 17th at Worcester County Branch
Offices 29 Sansome Walk, Worcester from 6.30 pm.
For further info contact Sandie Smith on 07970 345677
or Mike Adkins 01905 233 (W) Solihull Local
Government Branch The UNION Solihull Local Government Branch has
established a new Self Organised Identity Group.
Members can get further details from Matt—0781 508 0861
or Geoff 0797 413 1966 or by e-mail at
solihull_lg@hotmail.com Stoke-on-Trent 3-00 pm to 5-00 pm at the Piccadilly Centre, 57-59
Piccadilly, S-0-T on the following dates: 5th June 17th July 4th September 16th October 27th November
Wolverhampton & Black Country Formerly meeting as just Wolverhampton, this group has
now expanded.
Monday 27 May 8.30 pm at The White Hart, Worcester Street, Wolverhampton For further info contact Sally Clayton on 01902 556324 or Bob Deacon on 01902 552486 If
there are any other branch groups operating let us know and we’ll publish
your dates.
AGM Election
Results The
Regional Lesbian and Gay Self-Organised Group election results: Convenor:
Gerry Want Treasurer:
Bryony O’Hara Lesbian and Gay Newsletter Editor:
Bryony O’Hara Rep.
To APF:
Vacancy Rep.
to Regional Council:
Sue Turner Reps.
to Regional Committee:
Sue Turner Rep.
to Black Members:
Andrew Woodman Rep.
to Women’s Committee:
Sue Turner Rep.
to Disabled Members:
Bryony O’Hara Rep.
to SOGs Liaison:
Sue Turner
2002/2003
Committee Gerry
Want, James Eyre, Sue Turner, Andrew Woodman, Sandie Smith, Bryony
O'Hara, Susan Parsons, Paul Vines, Pete Harris, Bob Deacon, Dave Clark, Mike
Adkins + 2
who will remain nameless
Future Committee Meetings: Wed 22nd
May, 6.30-8.30 pm Sat 20th
July, 10.30-3.30 pm Tue 17th
Sept, 6.30-8.30 pm Sat 9th
Sept, 10.30-3.30 pm All
L&G Members are Welcome All the meetings have been booked to be at the Regional Office as this is accessible for people with disabilities, and because current committee members travel from extremes such as Nottingham and Leominster, Herefordshire. Other venues could be possible for future meetings if you wish to discuss it at a meeting.
“Towards
Equality and Diversity” The government’s
consultation document entitled Towards Equality and Diversity, looks at
implementing the European employment and race directives. UNISON’s equality
agenda was pushed on by the APF (Affiliated Political Fund). During the last
policy making round in the Labour Party. Officers and members of the Self
Organised Groups held a series of meetings with DTI officials to discuss
the proposals and there was a meeting with the Equality Minister to look at
outstanding issues. Our very own
Regional response is available should you wish to see it.
Oscar’s Column At conference,
delegates and visitors to the West Midlands were asked to submit their
questions for me. This time I am going to look at the final question raised
: “Does Oscar have any comments on the meaning of life? Or anything else
really. It’s all useful stuff.” I will look at your
question in two parts…. Well the meaning of life, humans seem to think this
is a difficult question but you look too far. Check a dictionary!! If you
really want my opinion...Life is for living, that is the meaning of it. How
you live it is up to you I suggest you fill your life with good food, good
company, fun times and a wagging tail. If this is not simple enough for
you, eat cold chips, run in the park with other dogs, sniff under bushes and
laugh as much as you can!! As for your “anything
else really” comment I will deal with that in future editions!!
How to get in touch….
If you have any
questions about access or any other issue please phone Frank or e-mail us.
Frank Woodcock is our officer and he will pass your message on should you
choose to write or phone; alternatively if you have access to the internet,
you could e-mail Frank (f.woodcock@unison.co.uk). Gerry UNISON Regional
Office Tel:– 0121-685 3168
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