Issue #53 Monday, 30 September 2024
Welcome to issue #53 of the LGBT Great News Digest, a short briefing on the 5 LGBTQ+ news stories you need to know about right now. As always, here are our 3 tools and updates for this edition: 1 – New Member Toolkit: To mark National Inclusion Week, we launched a member-exclusive toolkit titled 'Supporting Transitioning Colleagues' which outlines a framework with four simple pillars that can help you to build a trans-inclusive work culture in your organisation. Email us to receive your copy.
2 – Join us in 10 days' time at Fidelity International: We invite you to join us on October 10th for our LGBTQ+ Women's Reception to develop new insights. The event will mark International Lesbian Visibility Day and World Mental Health Day with founding member Fidelity International. Secure your F2F ticket. Enquire about virtual access.
3 – Connect your colleagues in Edinburgh: Join us on October 24th for a special in-person reception, sponsored by M&G, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Edinburgh. Connect with leaders from various employers in the region – a great opportunity to network with industry peers. Don’t miss out! Secure a ticket now.
Check out this issue’s five news stories below and watch out for our next Digest issue on Monday 14th October. Should you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to reach out to us. Our team is dedicated to providing any assistance you may need. The LGBT Great Team
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| 1. Thailand legalises same-sex marriage |
| On 24 September 2024, King Maha Vajiralongkorn signed a bill legalising same-sex marriage into law. The bill was originally approved in the Thai senate in June and will come into effect in January 2025. _____ Our View: This legislation serves as a reflection of majority public sentiment evidenced by the Ipsos 2024 Pride report which found that 58% of Thai respondents support same-sex marriage equality, exceeding the 26-country average by 3%.
This landmark decision makes Thailand the first Southeast Asian nation to legalise same-sex marriage, a significant step towards greater LGBTQ+ equality in the region.
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| 2. Decline in number of UK employers focused on inclusive hiring |
| On 19 September 2024, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) released new data revealing a decline in the number of UK employers committed to inclusive hiring practices. 55% of surveyed employers did not state an interest in diverse candidates in their job adverts, compared to 49% in 2023. 44% also did not use inclusive language in their adverts, a significant rise from 33% in 2023. _____ Our View: The REC data paints a concerning picture of the UK inclusive hiring landscape, particularly in light of National Inclusion Week.
Our upcoming 'Defining the Future' report highlights the importance of inclusive hiring. Initial finding reveal that 63% of LGBTQ+ respondents feel more comfortable applying to organisations with visible LGBTQ+ representation and DE&I-trained panels. 60% are more likely to apply where diversity hiring targets are in place. These findings stress the need for employers to prioritise inclusive practices to attract top talent and meet regulatory expectations.
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| 3. USA data indicates anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes areon the rise |
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On 23 September 2024, FBI shared data from its Crime Data Explorer revealing that anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes had nearly risen by 25% in a year. Hate crimes motivated by a person's perceived sexual orientation surged to 2,402 incidents, compared to 1,947 in 2022. Crimes targeting gender identity rose from 469 to 547. _____ Our View: These statistics are deeply concerning and underscore the urgent need to address the pervasive issue of anti-LGBTQ+ violence and discrimination. A 2022 report from the Williams Institute previously highlighted the disproportionate victimisation of LGBTQ+ people, who were nine times more likely to experience hate crimes than non-LGBTQ+ people. The FBI's latest data suggests that this disparity has likely worsened.
The rise in anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes coincides with the rollback of legal protections and rhetoric targeting the community. This climate fosters an environment where violence and prejudice are more likely to increase. It is imperative that we collectively condemn such actions and work towards a society where every LGBTQ+ person feels safe and respected.
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| 4. Seychelles new penal code to include LGBTQ+-sensitive hate crime provisions |
| On 18 September 2024, the Seychelles National Assembly approved a bill that will expand hate crime legislations by explicitly sensitising these crimes to gender identity, sexual orientation and HIV/AIDS. The bill was passed with an 18-8 margin. _____ Our View: This landmark decision further solidifies Seychelles' reputation as a leader in LGBTQ+ rights within the region. In 2016, the country decriminalised same-sex relations and a 2024 Afrobarometer study revealed a notably higher level of acceptance towards LGBTQ+ people compared to other countries in the region.
By enshrining LGBTQ+ sensitive hate crime provisions in its legal framework, Seychelles has sent a powerful message of support and safety to its LGBTQ+ citizens and around the world.
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| 5. Georgia passes anti-LGBTQ+ bill in parliament |
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On 17 September 2024, the Georgian parliament passed the 'LGBT Propaganda Bill' which would equip authorities with the power to ban Pride events and flags. The bill was approved by 84-0 after the opposition party chose to boycott the proceedings. _____ Our View: Georgia remains one of the most anti-LGBTQ+ nations in Europe as evidenced by data from the World Values Survey which revealed that only 0.99% Georgian respondents believed that same-sex relations were 'justifiable' with 91% calling it unjustifiable.
The President of Georgia has publicly opposed the legislation and has yet to sign it into law. Should she refuse to do so, the bill may not come into effect and could mark a crucial turning point for LGBTQ+ rights in the region. |
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Disclaimer The information contained in this newsletter is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by LGBT Great and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the newsletter or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the newsletter for any purpose. All the quotations in the news are presented as originally published. LGBT Great does not necessarily share the views of the quoted authors and is not responsible for the accuracy of the information or quality of the analysis provided by them. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. |
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