Sexual Orientation Strategy
As regards the design and delivery of the proposed Sexual Orientation Strategy, in addition to the mentioned critical factors which underpin the successful delivery of actions to promote LGB equality, we make the following recommendations.
Vision
The Equality Commission recommends a strong vision statement with a clear reference to the creation of a society where people of different sexual orientations are entitled to the full enjoyment of all human rights, and a society that promotes equality of opportunity for LGB people and ensures that they are supported, understood, valued and respected.
Guiding principles
The Commission recommends that a number of guiding principles underpin the draft strategy and action plan, principles based on the Yogyakarta Principles.
The Yogyakarta Principles reflect the application of binding international human rights law to issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. These principles set out in detail the rights of individuals of different sexual orientation and gender identities as well as making clear the obligations on states in order to realise those rights. Rights include rights to equality and non-discrimination, the right to work, the right to education without discrimination, the right to the highest attainable standard of health and the right to freedom of opinion and expression.
Commitment that the Yogyakarta Principles will be used to inform and guide the implementation of the Strategy.
A focus on positive action measures to counter disadvantage and opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity for LGB individuals.