Parlamentarios de Trinidad y Tobago avanzan en el debate sobre los derechos de la comunidad LGBTI
Parliamentarians and Equal Opportunities Commission discuss LGBTI issues
CHAIRMAN of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) Lynette Seebaran-Suite says the Commission is working towards ending all forms of discrimination in Trinidad and Tobago.
Seebaran-Suite made the declaration during a courtesy call from visiting members of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) on Thursday at the EOC’s office in Chaguanas. Members of the visiting group included Minou Tavárez Mirabel, president; Dr.
David Donat Cattin, secretary general; and Mónica Adame, programme director.
The courtesy call stems from the PGA campaign against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity to sensitise Members of Parliament (MPs) about equality and non-discrimination in international human rights law. The aim is to discuss among peer Parliamentarians actions and best practices to address the challenges and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons in their countries, and foster dialogue between MPs and representatives from the LGBTI community.
The gathering discussed working together in the promotion of equality of opportunity and human rights in Trinidad and Tobago and the region. Seebaran- Suite pointed out that one of the first acts of the current Board of Commissioners was to recommend to the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs that sexual orientation be included as a prohibited ground of discrimination in the Equal Opportunity Act.
The members shared and exchanged some of their strategies and best practices in advancing the human rights of all vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, including the LGBTI community.
This includes an upcoming seminar in Montevideo, Uruguay, to launch a handbook for Parliamentarians in combating discrimination against persons on the status of sexual orientation.
