LGBTQIA is concerned

LUKE Sinnette, a social worker with LGBTQI advocacy group Friends for Life yesterday expressed concern over statements by religious leaders opposing amendments to the Equal Opportunity Act to include homosexuals and said such legislation is necessary to protect members of the community from discrimination.

When Newsday spoke with Sinnette, he said he was concerned, as there have been reports in the past that homosexuals were evicted from their homes by their parents or landlords.

He said while he understands the importance of religious freedom, he believes such legislation would be crucial in protecting LGBTQI people even from physical violence.

“For us, Friends for Life has seen where many LGBTQI persons have been the victims of bias-related crimes where they were either evicted because of their sexual orientation or have been forced to leave their jobs. Even in schools, there have been reports where officials may have been impeding the rights of students.

“Because of these things and more we feel that the Equal Opportunity Act would be able to better protect people from this kind of discrimination.”