ELGBIAccessRightsFul.. - Communities and Local Government

set out under Implementing Equality for Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals (EqualityAuthority 2006a, p.31). The EA played a significant role in the Working Group onDomestic Partnership on foot of these commitments. Our research findingsstrongly endorse the continuation of that strategy as a central pillar in bringingabout greater social justice generally for LGB people based in the ROI.LGB Representative OrganisationsE-quality MarksLGB NGOs could explore the feasibility of implementing an 'E-quality mark'scheme recognising the achievements of employers or service providers whocomply with and promote good practice in the field of SO equality. Stonewall GBhave introduced a successful programme of Diversity Champions and a relatedEquality Index. An all-island ‘E-quality’ programme would be of interest. As suchthese promotional measures move beyond the focus on overt discrimination,providing an ideal platform for tackling one of the primary forms of inequalityexperienced by LGB individuals – heterosexism. Further, the programme wouldenable LGB individuals seeking employment or access to particular services, toidentify ‘gay-friendly’ organisations (Chapter 4.5.3).Situation TestingLGB representative organisations engage in advocacy work on behalf ofindividuals. A strategy such as situation testing, designed to generate proof ofdiscrimination in particular fields could be a valuable complement to such work.As an extra-legal strategy situation testing is appealing because it can beundertaken by an NGO, and may have the effect of unmasking discriminationagainst LGB people without the fear of victimisation and the anonymity concernsthat impact on individual LGB claimants (Chapter 5.3.3)Trade UnionsIn both jurisdictions trade unions have developed equality training and resourcematerials, some of which deal specifically with the SO ground. Examples of good136