"Let's just see how ready our country will be to host a gay parade. "But if the government gave them permission to do so, nothing can prevent them. Moreover, our police will defend the security of the pederast men decorated with jingling jewellery."   more »

Homosexuality is one of the world's biggest taboos. It has led to riots in Russia, huge splits in the Anglican Church, and was a large factor in the re-election of President Bush.   more »

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As part of the machinery of government changes following the Cabinet reshuffle, the Prime Minister has announced that there will be a new Government Equalities Office (GEO) which will cover the entire equalities/CEHR agenda.

For the first time ever there will be a Secretary of State responsible for coordinating equality work across Government, alongside the leadership on Human Rights afforded by the Secretary of State for Justice (Jack Straw).

Harriet Harman will be responsible for the Equalities Office at Cabinet level as Secretary of State for Equality. In addition, the GEO will have its own vote from the House of Commons. This new appointment bringing to five the number of government and party posts she holds. (She is already Leader of the Commons, deputy Labour Party leader, party chairwoman and minister for women.)

Barbara Follett, in addition to her current role, will be Parliamentary Under-Secretary in the Equalities office, with the title of Minister for Equality.

The Women and Equalities Unit will transfer to the GEO from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). Issues around race and faith will still remain with the DCLG as they relate to the community cohesion agenda.

The Chair and the Chief Executive of the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights have both welcomed this announcement, saying that "it is a unique arrangement for a unique body" and that the new configuration "reinforces the Commission's independence from particular parts of Government". The CEHR believes that its unique status (coming under a dedicated arm of Government) will help to ensure that it can fulfil its mandate without privileging any part of the Equalities agenda.

The GEO will physically be located within the Department for Work and Pensions, although its Civil Servants will report up to the Minister for Equality.

 

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