June boldly marks Pride Month, a significant time to take a positive stand against discrimination and violence towards LGBT+ people, and to celebrate progressive strides made in the law for all British society.
At Jefferies Solicitors, we are committed to playing our part in promoting inclusivity and diversity whenever we can and are proud to support the LGBT+ community. We think this comes as an ideal time to highlight some of the most progressive transformations to the law in recent years.
Family Law for same-sex couples
From same-sex marriage recognition to adoption law changes, there have been tremendous strides made for the rights of LGBT+ people, meaning big changes for Family Law. Up until 1967, homosexuality was punishable by law, but now all main anti-gay laws have been abolished. Some important changes to Family Law include:
LGBT+ and same-sex rights to children
Since the Adoption and Children Act of 2002 came into force, gay and lesbian single persons, as well as same-sex couples, had a right to adopt a child in the UK. Surrogacy has also become a successful path to parenthood for the LGBT community.
These legal developments mean that more people require legal aid in conflicts. For instance, following the breakdown of a same-sex parent relationship, there can be complex legal battles among the biological relationship to the child, and the legal obligations of both partners for financial support.
Civil partnership and same-sex marriage
Since civil partnerships were introduced in 2005, and same-sex marriage was legalised in 2013, many same-sex couples have legally sealed their happily ever after. Naturally, since these laws came into effect, solicitors have become familiarised with a considerable number of civil partnership dissolutions and same-sex divorce settlements.
LGBT+ anti-discrimination and employment law
There has been a significant movement in anti-discriminative law for LGBT+ people across the UK, both in the workplace and in public settings, with developments in healthcare, education and more. Since the repeal of Section 28 in 2003, a legislation that meant a local authority could not ‘internally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting’ it, policies have developed to integrate equality into every facet of the public and to help safeguard LGBT+ people from discrimination. Some changes in law include:
Equality for LGBT+ in the workplace
The Equality Act 2010 formed the basis of anti-discrimination law in the UK, including the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, which outlines that businesses and organisations must comply with legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexuality and gender, incorporating that of gender-reassignment. Examples of discrimination include indirect and indirect discrimination, and harassment and victimisation. At Jefferies, we can help workplaces ensure they meet the requirements for diversity discrimination and rights in Employment Law, and can aid with any disputes.
Equality for LGBT+ in the everyday life
The Equality Act 2010 also extends to safeguard protection of LGBT+ people over goods, facilities and services. This includes public services such as GPs, hospitals, dentists, and also business operations or marketplace services, such as hotels, restaurants, or estate agencies. At Jefferies, we help all manners of businesses and organisations to navigate and comply with the latest discrimination legislation.
More law services: LGBT+ Conveyancing & Wills
With civil partnership and same-sex marriage only recently coming into play, it is not unusual that many couples in the UK will not have yet made a formal legal union. However, whether same-sex or opposite-sex partners – it is important to note that unmarried couples (or couples not in a civil partnership) don’t have the same rights as those that are married. However, with the help of a solicitor, you can still protect your rights as an unmarried couple to a great degree.
At Jefferies, we offer a variety of services for all couples to protect their future and prevent these issues, including Cohabitation Agreements, Pre-nuptial Agreements, Post-nuptial Agreements, and making a new Will. Regardless of the stage of the relationship you are at, we can help you to protect you and plan your future.
Your LGBT+ friendly solicitors in Essex
Are you looking for a specialist in LGBT+ law? Due to the complexities and sensitivity involved in these cases, it is important to find a law firm that has compassion and experience in this area. Our expert solicitors in Essex are proud to be open and compassionate to all LGBT+ individuals, couples and their families. Call one of our friendly solicitors on 01702 332 311 or contact us today.