Many societies around the world continue to promote a view of family and gender roles based on the assumption that people should be heterosexual. This can result in discrimination and prejudice for lesbians and gay men in the workplace. In many organisations, people feel obliged to hide their sexual identity for fear of unequal treatment and even harassment, including verbal and physical abuse.

News/Articles
Stonewall commissioned a research into public attitudes to homosexuality. It was conducted by YouGov and more than 2,000 people were questioned for it. If you would like to read the full report please visit Stonewall's webpage.

The LGBT History Month bulletin is available to read.

Terms
Heterosexist
The assumption that everyone is heterosexual until proven otherwise.

Homophobic
The fear of homosexuality in oneself and in others.

Age of consent
The legal age at which people may engage in consensual sexual relationships. In 2000 a law fixed the age of consent at 16 in England, Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland it is fixed at 17.

Facts
The UK Government is using the figure of 5-7 per cent of the population who are gay, lesbian or bisexual.

On hate crimes, Stonewall's 1995 study of violence against lesbians and gay men in Britain found that one in three gay men and one in four lesbians had experienced at least one violent attack during 1990-1995. Because of fear of becoming the victim of homophobic violence, 65 per cent of respondents always or sometimes avoided telling people they were gay, and 59 per cent always or sometimes tried to avoid looking obviously gay.

Breaking the Chain of Hate, the National Advisory Group's 1999 survey examining levels of homophobic crime and community confidence towards the police service, confirmed that reasons for not reporting included:

			lack of confidence in the police
			anticipated negative reaction
			fear of being charged with gay offence
			fear of being outed
			fear of retribution
			acceptance of violence and abuse

Legislation

			The Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 If you would like to read a brief guide as to what the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 will and will not do please visit the communities and local government site.
			Civil Partnership Act 2004 On the 5th December 2005 the Civil Partnership Act 2004 which gives legal recognition to same-sex couples came into force across the UK. This will mean that any couple that registers a civil partnership will have the same rights as a married couple in areas like tax, social security, inheritance and workplace benefits.
			Equality bill