Latest news with #LGBT+
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Whitehall staff are flouting the Supreme Court ruling on biological sex 'by telling transgender women it's okay to use the female toilets'
Civil servants are flouting the Supreme Court ruling on biological sex, with some declaring it is 'completely the choice' of a man who is transitioning to choose which bathroom they use. A message sent to officials by the LGBT + network in the Department of Transport after the landmark court judgment said staff can decide themselves if they can use 'any appropriate single sex toilets and other facilities'. 'It is assumed that the individual knows which facilities are the best match for their gender identity and expression,' it added. The message, obtained using Freedom of Information requests, was sent to staff on April 22, the week after the Supreme Court ruling that men who change gender are not legally women. It says 'HR have assured us that all current guidance and policies still stand' and gives the example that a recently transitioned man may need to 'build confidence in his new gender expression' and that the bathroom they choose is 'completely his choice'. Members of LGBT+ networks in other government departments also sent messages expressing disappointment with the court ruling, including staff in the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology being told: 'While the judgment itself is outside of our hands, we want to say clearly that we're disappointed by the decision.' A message sent to officials by the LGBT + network in the Department of Transport after the landmark court judgment said staff can decide themselves if they can use 'any appropriate single sex toilets and other facilities' Elliot Keck, of the TaxPayers' Alliance, which compiled the research, said: 'The correspondence demonstrates how out of control staff networks are.' A Government spokesman said: 'Staff networks do not set policy in this space. We will update policy wherever it is necessary.' It comes as another report, by think-tank the Policy Exchange, has found that dozens of organisations question the Supreme Court's ruling on the definition of a woman. Independent MP Rosie Duffield said: 'Government ministers must lead from the top to ensure public bodies comply with the law.'
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Gwent set to celebrate Torfaen Pride 2025 in Pontypool Park
The free event is organised by Club F.O.D Cymru and will be running from midday until 7pm Saturday June 7. Last year's event saw at least 5000 people attend with this year's event expected to attract equal amounts of footfall. Torfaen Pride has been coined one of the most 'accessible' Pride events in Wales. Alongside promoting LGBTQ+ rights there will be lots for people to enjoy. A drag queen on stage at Torfaen Pride 2024 (Image: Jamie Wake) Events like Drag queen bingo and numerous craft and food stalls will keep visitors entertained. The event has two stages, a main stage occupied by performers and a smaller more community-based stage which will be used to give local groups a voice. A cowboy style performer at Torfaen Pride 2024 (Image: Jamie Wake) Volunteers at the event will also be tackling isolation. They will be expected to interact with members of the public to ensure they feel included. Speaking of Pride event organiser Jamie Wake 47, said: "We know that when this article is shared online, there will unfortunately be negative comments — questioning why Pride is still needed, calling it 'woke,' or asking why there isn't a 'straight Pride.' 'So let me speak directly to those people: Pride is not about division or superiority — it's about visibility, safety, and equality for a community that has had to fight to be recognised and respected. 'Pride is not about being 'woke' — it's about being seen, safe, and celebrated in a world that hasn't always made space for us. When you say 'woke', we say you're welcome." Torfaen Pride organiser Jamie Wake at Torfaen Pride 2024 (Image: Jamie Wake) He added: "The truth is, Pride exists because LGBT+ people have had to fight — and still do — for the basic rights, acceptance, and dignity that others often take for granted. It's not about special treatment; it's about equal treatment. 'Pride is a chance for our community to stand together, to remember those we've lost, and to celebrate how far we've come. It isn't about excluding anyone — it's about including those who have historically been excluded. 'It's not a celebration of difference for the sake of it, but a reminder that, even today, LGBT+ people face discrimination, isolation, and inequality. Pride exists because we're not there yet. And until we are, it remains not only relevant — but necessary."
Scottish Sun
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
West Ham hit with huge fine for homophobic chanting by fans against Chelsea that was caught on video
The FA criticised both West Ham and Chelsea in its ruling HAMMERS RAP West Ham hit with huge fine for homophobic chanting by fans against Chelsea that was caught on video WEST Ham have been hit with a £120,000 fine after homophobic chants by fans during the Prem defeat at Chelsea in February. The Hammers were charged failing to control supporters in March for the 'mass chanting' of a number of visiting fans during the 62nd minute of the game at Stamford Bridge. Advertisement 1 West Ham have been fined £120,000 for homophobic chants Credit: Alamy FA beaks added that the chants were of a discriminatory nature, with West Ham admitting responsibility within four days of the charge being laid. Social media clips uploaded by traveling supporters were evidence of the concerted chants, lasting at least 40 seconds, directed at Chelsea players and fans. The three member FA disciplinary commission ruled: 'The evidence suggests there was a very significant number of West Ham supporters involved in the homophobic chanting. 'It can properly be categorised as 'mass chanting'. Advertisement 'This conclusion is supported by the fact that the post-match complaint was based on the chanting being clearly audible at the match and the video footage that depicts the chanting clearly and loudly by many West Ham supporters. 'The words used by the offending spectators referenced a negative attitude towards the LGBT+ community and a perceived association of that community with Chelsea FC. 30." In his letter to the panel, West Ham club secretary Andrew Pincher conceded there was an 'obvious risk of such offending behaviour' from travelling fans. Both clubs were criticised for failing to 'respond' to the homophobic chanting during the match. Advertisement This meant that 'none of the offending spectators were therefore identified, ejected and/or arrested for this behaviour'. The commission also ruled that any measures the Hammers had taken beforehand 'were plainly not adequate to prevent such abuse and then to detect a wide range of culprits'.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kanye West's South Korea concert cancelled ‘due to recent controversies'
Kanye West's South Korea concert scheduled for the end of May has been cancelled 'due to recent controversies involving the artist'. South Korean e-commerce company Coupang and ticket outlet Interpark didn't elaborate which controversies they were referring to but announced on Monday the concert had been cancelled and sales of Yeezy merch suspended, according to Korea JoongAng Daily. 'Due to recent controversies surrounding artist Kanye, the 'YE concert in South Korea' scheduled for 31 May has regrettably been cancelled,' they said in a statement. 'Sales of Yeezy brand MD products will also be suspended starting at 1pm on 19 May.' All tickets sold for the show, scheduled to be held at Incheon's Munhak Stadium, would be refunded, the companies said. The 47-year-old rapper, also known as Ye, has courted controversy by making offensive remarks. West has of late been sharing posts on his social media with Nazi imagery and symbolism as well as making several antisemitic remarks. Earlier this month, he released a new track 'Heil Hitler' which was criticised for glorifying the Nazi leader. The song was removed from Spotify and SoundCloud but spread through X, racking up millions of views. In April, West showed up to an interview released on Rumble by internet personality DJ Akademiks dressed in a black Ku Klux Klan outfit. The hour-long conversation saw him make several controversial comments about other individuals in the music industry. Later the same month, West was banned from streaming platform Twitch merely seven minutes into his first stream as he began a speech that included several slurs about the Jewish and the LGBT+ communities. West also posted a now-deleted video wearing a diamond-encrusted swastika necklace next to Nick Fuentes, introducing the latter as his 'white supremacist homeboy'. His Yeezy website, which used the backend platform Shopify, was deactivated by the company after it was found to be selling only T-shirts featuring Swastikas. In February, Friends actor David Schwimmer called on Musk to ban West from X after he made a series of antisemitic posts. The actor pointed to a number of posts by West in a lengthy post to his own eight million followers on Instagram. The rapper has previously triggered outrage for antisemitic outbursts on social media and in interviews, resulting in brands such as Adidas, GAP, and Balenciaga dropping him.
The Herald Scotland
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Jamie Greene challenges ministers on conversion therapy ban
It comes after equalities minister Kaukab Stewart recently announced legislation was being delayed, saying the Scottish Government is working with Westminster on a possible UK-wide ban on such practices – which seek to change or suppress a person's sexual orientation or identity. However she said earlier this month that if the UK Labour Government fails to legislate on the issue, an SNP Scottish Government will 'publish its own Bill in year one of the next parliamentary session'. Mr Greene however has written to Ms Stewart demanding the Scottish Government acts now, adding that if SNP ministers do not they should 'give the Bill to me and I will introduce it'. As such he insisted the 'only blockage' to a Bill coming forward now 'is the Scottish Government'. READ MORE: The MSP, who recently defected to the Liberal Democrats from the Tories, said while it may be 'politically unappealing' to bring forward legislation on the subject in the run-up to the 2026 Scottish election, a commitment had been made. Mr Greene said: 'All political parties promised to back change in the law in their 2021 Holyrood manifestos. The SNP made an explicit promise if they got into government to introduce this Bill and haven't.' He added it is 'no wonder political parties were banned from taking part in this year's Pride events' – noting 'organisers say they are sick of warm words of encouragement to the LGBT+ community and want action'. Mr Greene continued: 'It might be politically unappealing in an election year to have difficult conversations and debates of this nature, but backing down from promises and shying away from the argument is an insult to those affected by this abhorrent practice. 'I've made a simple offer to the SNP Government – introduce the legislation this year, and if you can't, or won't, give the Bill to me and I will introduce it.' A commitment to bring forward legislation to end conversion practices had also been included in the SNP's powersharing agreement with the Scottish Greens – however the deal ended before any Bill on this was introduced. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'The Scottish Government is absolutely committed to protecting LGBTQI+ communities from the harm caused by conversion practices. 'We are continuing to work with the UK Government to fully explore legislation to ban conversion practices that would cover England, Wales and Scotland. 'We have been clear that if their Bill does not meet our priorities or does not go far enough, then we intend to publish our own Bill in the first year of the next parliamentary session. We will engage with key stakeholders as we take this work forward.'
