01/10/2013

Farry Supports Workplace LGB Equality

Minister for Employment and Learning Dr Stephen Farry has reiterated his commitment to lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) equality in the workplace at an event called 'Why diversity matters, the business case for workplace equality' at Belfast City Hall.

The event was co-hosted by Belfast City Council and The Rainbow Project to examine the business case for promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.

Speaking at the event, Minister Farry emphasised his commitment to the project: "I am very pleased to be funding this project to raise awareness of the issues affecting gay, lesbian and bisexual people in the workplace.

"I am committed to ensuring that the workplace is a safe and open place for people from all backgrounds to be who they are and to feel free from discrimination. This project is very much at the cutting edge of putting this vision into practice.

"In order to achieve the goal of a shared society, we must embrace diversity and ensure that there are no barriers to the full participation of people from all sections of the community in all aspects of their daily lives.

"But this is much more than a matter of equality. There is a fundamental economic rationale for doing so. Firstly, there are economic gains to be found from encouraging every person to develop to their full potential and to deploy their skills and talents to the full. Secondly, those societies that cherish diversity are the most successful in attracting and retaining talent. Therefore, I am pleased to see the business community embracing this initiative."

(IT/MH)

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