Sexual Orientation: What has the Government done so far?

Civil Partnerships

In December 2005 the first civil partnership registrations took place across the United Kingdom when the 2004 Civil Partnership Act came into force. More info

An equal age of consent

In January 2001 the Sexual Offences Amendment Act reduced the age of consent for gay men to 16. More info

Criminal Injuries Compensation

The inequality of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme was highlighted in the Soho bombing in April 1999 when it became clear that eligibility was denied to same-sex partners. The Home office revised the scheme to include lesbian and gay partners in April 2001.

Immigration rules

Immigration rules have been changed to allow people in long term relationships who are unable to marry, including same sex couples, the right to remain with a person present and settled in the UK. More info: Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate

Extended overseas allowances

The FCO has recently extended overseas allowances to married and unmarried couples, including same sex partners. Visit the FCO web site for more information.

Spearheaded social initiatives

The Don’t Suffer in Silence initiative, launched in December 2000 and available from Department for Education and Schools publications, offers practical help to tackle all kinds of bullying amongst pupils in schools, including homophobic bullying. More info

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have launched the 'Know Before You Go' campaign, which gives information to British LGBT travellers abroad. More info

The Crown Prosecution Service has recently launched a policy statement for prosecuting cases with homophobic elements. The statement makes it clear that homophobic behaviour will, where appropriate, be prosecuted effectively through the Criminal Courts. Read more on their website

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Useful websites

Home Office

Equal Opportunities Commission

Department of Education and Skills sex and relationship guidance