Gay prejudice still a problem in public services (Scotland)

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http://www.scotsman.com/news/education/gay-prejudice-still-a-problem-in-public-services-1-3316392
The Scotsman
Gay prejudice still a problem in public services
by DANI GARAVELLI
Published 23/02/2014 00:00

ONE in six lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Scotland have experienced discrimination while accessing a public service in the past three years, according to a major survey to be launched tomorrow.

The YouGov poll of 1,000 people commissioned by Stonewall Scotland also discovered one in ten would expect to face discrimination from their GP, a quarter would expect to face discrimination from a housing officer and more than a third would not feel comfortable reporting a hate crime directly to the police.

Asked about their experiences, many highlighted instances of prejudice, such as their partner being turned away from their bedside in hospital, a disproportionate focus on sexual health issues and homophobic bullying in schools and colleges. In almost all areas, trans people experienced the greatest levels of discrimination, with one trans woman, who had sought help from the NHS after an injury, claiming to have been referred to as “it” throughout her time there.

The survey, published just weeks after the passing of the Equal Marriage Act secured legislative equality for LGBT people in Scotland, is being seen as evidence that, in practice, discrimination is still a problem. “This report sends a strong message that there is still lots to do before equality is meaningful for many citizens in 21st-century Scotland,” said Stonewall Scotland director Colin Macfarlane.... MORE