Ruth Kelly - Stand Down or Deliver

7.50.59pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 21st Jan 2007

"It is a disappointment but no great surprise to see reports that Labour's Equality Minister, Ruth Kelly, is actively trying to block equality for LGB people," says DELGA Chair Jen Yockney of reports in today's press. "She is - to borrow a phrase from one of her colleagues - not fit for purpose."

Ruth Kelly, minister for equality, has already delayed the introduction of the law that would prevent discrimination against lesbian, gay and bisexual people in the provision of goods and services. This should have come into force in October, but has already been delayed until April. It was originally claimed this was due to the large volume of responses but it is becoming increasingly clear that it was due to Kelly's desire to water-down the legislation.

Jen adds: "As equalities minister, Ruth Kelly should recognise that equality must come before religious bias in this matter. Sexuality whether gay, bi or straight is innate: religious belief is a matter of lifestyle choice, and how you choose to interpret religious texts even more so."

Related Links:

Independent on Sunday story on this subject.

Scotland on Sunday reports Kelly's move also threatens Scottish children in need of adoptive parents.