‘Amendments mean damage is done’
DAMAGE is already done, whether amendment eight of the discrimination legislation is defeated or not, the former UK LGBT government adviser has said.
Jayne Ozanne, a gay rights activist within the Church of England, is back in Guernsey for the States debate on the upcoming law.
But a visit intended as a celebration of the ordinance has been dampened by nine amendments being put forward, including one that would mean 63% of businesses do not have to make reasonable adjustments for disabled islanders and carers.
‘If the amendment is withdrawn or defeated it does not take away the pain and damage it has caused for a group that has been fighting for this for years,’ said Ms Ozanne.
‘Trust has already been broken by the impact of the amendment being tabled by people who could be seen as abusing their power.’
Deputy David De Lisle, who seconded amendment eight, has queried if there was enough of an issue with discrimination in Guernsey to warrant the extent of the proposed legislation.
‘That portrayed to me a belief I thought had come out of the ark,’ said Ms Ozanne. 'He [De Lisle] is not in touch with thousands of desperate islanders. In some ways I am grateful to him – he has lifted the lid on a view of a lot of folk on the island and it shows a lack of understanding. It is time the white privileged man’s bubble is burst.’
She said amendments proposed at this stage could be considered loopholes.
‘Creating loopholes in any anti-discrimination law always punishes the most vulnerable. My hope is that all islanders will be given the full protections they need, indeed which they have needed for decades. To do otherwise is to continue to prioritise the majority over vulnerable minorities and sends a signal to the world that Guernsey does not wish to comply with the Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.’
Guernsey is one of the few jurisdictions not to have laws against discrimination in place.
‘I am worried how the island would be perceived in the international community. Without the right to protect against discrimination, people and businesses will think twice about investing in the island and would be concerned about sending employees here.’
Ms Ozanne was on the Royal Court steps today campaigning against the amendments with a number of other stakeholders and groups.
