Unequal Opportunity?

In Lithuania, 'Trolley' drivers have refused to be seen driving those vehicles with Lesbian & Gay equality slogans on them, reading as simply as 'A Lesbian can work at school'. The Australian Prime Minister has refused to give the same war pension rights to gay couples due, he says, to the costs involved. People have protested in Rome about the introduction of a gay rights bill.

It makes me wonder if I should question the gaps in equality in the UK really? I mean, we can't 'get married' but we're as close as damnit with Civil Partnerships. We're going to be able to adopt, with as much rights as heterosexuals. A new ruling means we can't be denied any kind of products or services on grounds of sexuality (such as being denied a double bed in a hotel or B&B!)

But I still can't help feeling uneasy about our nations overriding need to question every step along the way.

I do remember back in the 90's when I attended my first Gay Pride March. The attitude then was all about being seen, being heard and standing up for our rights, of which there were few. Section 28 outlawed discussion of sexuality in the classroom, huge debates ensued when Eastenders showed a peck on the lips between two men on primetime TV, AIDS was a stick with which to beat the promiscuous gay community and the general attitude was of some tolerance towards the Carry On camp crew but non towards the out gay man (or woman?)

I should be impressed and proud with the progress made but it does sadden me to hear of the problems elsewhere, highlighting to me that whilst we're living in a tolerant society, even here in the UK it's not an equal society. Jxx