Sexual Orientation Equality Human Rights and Our Shared Future
- 5 November, 2007 - 11:29
- Category:
As part of Anti-Homophobia Northern Ireland week, the Coalition on Sexual Orientation (CoSO), is hosting a conference on Saturday 17th November 2007 at the Stormont Hotel, Belfast.
The Coalition on Sexual Orientation (CoSO) was established in 1998 by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) groups in Northern Ireland in order to provide a voice for the LGBT Community in debates and consultations surrounding the rights of the community.
CoSO brings together LGBT groups and individuals to work towards an inclusive society, which embraces diversity and where the rights of LGBT people are fully respected and protected under the law. CoSO aspires to represent the LGBT Community on issues around sexual orientation. CoSO acts as an umbrella body with which public authorities may consult in order to fulfil their statutory duty to promote equal opportunities irrespective of sexual orientation. It seeks to ensure that the concerns of the entire LGBT Community are adequately articulated and acted upon.
Homophobia has become a serious issue over the past few years with a greater number of people being attacked, punched, beaten, hit or kicked and even murdered as a result of hatred.
CoSO believes everyone has a responsibility to stem the spread of homophobia and tackle it where we see it and hear it.
Anti-homophobia Northern Ireland (AHNI) therefore is about building partnerships with various organisations and sectors in order to raise awareness and challenge homophobia and discrimination.
CoSO, its members and partners hope that AHNI 2007 will maintain the annual focus on homophobia which will allow for debates around these issues to be heard, debated and listened to.
CoSO is hosting a major conference called “Sexual Orientation Equality, Human Rights and Our Shared". Speakers will include: Hans Ytterberg, The Ombudsman against Discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation in Sweden, Dr Stephen Whittle OBE, Founder and Vice-President of Press for Change, Patricia Prendiville, Executive Director of ILGA-Europe, Patrick Stoakes, Director of the Equality Network Scotland, Liz Morgan, Director of Stonewall Cymru, Michael Cunningham, Deputy Chief Constable Lancashire Constabulary and Lead Chief Office on LGBT Issues for the Association of Chief Police Officers, Christopher Robson, Co-Founder of Gay and Lesbian Equality Network Ireland, Professor Barry Fitzpatrick, CoSO and Professor Colin Harvey, Commissioner with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.
Places are limited for the conference so if you would like to attend please contact Tracy Cowen before Monday 12th November at the contact details listed below:
Coalition on Sexual Orientation
Cathedral Buildings
64 Donegall St
Belfast
BT1 2GT
Tel: 0044 (0) 28 9027 8636
Fax: 0044 (0) 28 9027 8654
tracy@coso.org.uk
