Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender

We are responsible for policy and legislation which relate to sexual orientation and transgender equality. This includes the Civil partnership act 2004, Equality Act 2010 and equality policy for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Latest on this topic

Moving forward

Working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality, published in July, was the first ever cross government work plan on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGB&T) rights.

Our action plan Working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality: Moving Forward, launched in March 2011, builds on this work and sets out the specific actions we will take to deliver this commitment across government.

The first ever transgender equality action plan includes a range of commitments to improve the lives of transgender people.   

Tackling homophobia and transphobia in sport: a Charter for Action

One of our key commitments is the action Government will take to tackle homophobia and transphobia in sport. We’ve launched a new Charter for Action (or Sports Charter), supported by British sport's five main national governing bodies, which calls for action at every level to tackle this issue.

Sports stars join the campaign

Stars support campaign to tackle homophobia and transphobia - celebrities committed to tackling homophobia and transphobia in sport at a Downing Street reception.

Civil partnerships on religious premises

Earlier this year we committed to making the changes needed to enable civil partnerships to be registered on religious premises, by implementing section 202 of the Equality Act 2010.

In March 2011, we published 'Civil partnerships on religious premises: a consultation' to invite comments on the changes needed to the relevant regulations. The consultation closed on 23 June 2011. We would like to thank everyone who participated in the consultation exercise. 

The government's response was published on 2 November 2011. This includes the draft regulations which will be laid shortly. The intention is to bring the regulations into force by the end of 2011.

Government's response to the consultation

Equal civil marriage

Lynne Featherstone announced on 17 September that a public consultation to consider how to make civil marriage available to same-sex couples will begin in March 2012.  This would allow any legislative changes to be made before the end of this parliament.  The consultation will cover civil marriage for same-sex couples only - not religious marriage or opposite-sex civil partnerships.

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