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  • PM David Cameron: Commitment To Equality On Bakery Discrimination

    UK Prime Minister David Cameron has spoken about equality after being questioned about a UK-based baker who refused a ‘gay-marriage’ cake order based on their ethos.

    During Prime Minister’s Question Time on Wednesday, David Cameron was asked by DUP MP Gregory Campbell, whether the news about the Northern Ireland bakery which refused to make a cake which featured a pro-gay marriage slogan was “an oppressive threat to religious freedom”.

    The East Londonderry MP said those ‘freedoms’ should be protected by a conscience clause, which top UK Judge Baroness Hale called for earlier in the year. The clause would suggest that religious beliefs could be protected over discrimination against minority groups.

    The Prime Minister, although unaware of the case in hand said,

    ‘I think that a commitment to equality – whether we are talking about racial equality, equality between those of different sexes, equality in terms of people who have disabilities, or, indeed, tolerance of and equality for people with different sexualities – is a very important part of being British.’

    Ashers Bakery Co. business owners who refused an order from Queerspace, which was in support of same-sex marriage, could now face legal proceedings by the Equality Commision if it doesn’t ‘recompense the customer’.

    Although same-sex marriage is legal in England & Wales, Northern Ireland is yet to change the law with regards to marriage. In April a same-sex marriage motion was defeated in NI.

    The Bakery is unapologetic when it comes to their discrimination saying, ‘Although we have found this experience certainly unsettling and disruptive to our day-to-day business, we are certainly convinced that we have made the right decision.

    ‘We do continue to take the stand and stance that we do take.’

  • British Dance Council To Consider Banning Same-Sex Ballroom Couples

    The British Dance Council is to consider a proposed rule change that could ban same-sex couples from competing in amateur and professional Ballroom dance competitions, which may be illegal discrimination.

    A proposal from its rules sub-committee has suggested that dance partners for Ballroom dance competitions should comprise of a “man” and a “lady”.

    The proposed rule change is:
    THAT Rule 52 be titled: “Approved Competitions and Championships” and that 52(a) should read: ‘This Council recognizes a partnership to be one man and one lady in all adult amateur and professional competitions and championships unless otherwise stated.’

    The British Dance Council is the governing body of ballroom dancing in the UK. It formulates and administers the rules for all competitions. It will consider the proposal on the 21st July.

    ‘I am really distressed that the BDC is even considering banning us. We’ve put in a huge amount of effort. To exclude us will mean that we can’t dance in mainstream competitions any more. This seems so unfair,’ said Heather Devine who competes with her female dance partner Chrisi Lyons.

    Same-sex dance couples are appalled and angry about the move to exclude them from future competitions.
    Heather Devine and her dance partner of 18 months, Chrisi Lyons, are the current European Same-Sex Senior Women’s Champions, consistently reaching the finals of the same-sex A class competitions. They are registered to enter the mainstream UK Closed Championships in Bournemouth in July.

    Sarah Hughes and Diane Willmot have competed in mainstream events all over the country since 2005. They strongly object to any retrograde rule change by the BDC which would prevent them continuing to have the freedom to participate.
    John Church and his dance partner of four years, Alex, are regarded as one of the keenest and most active of the UK’s all-male ballroom dancing couples. They also resent the rule change.

    Heather Devine said: ‘These successes show their dedication to, and passion for, ballroom dancing. They are saddened that the BDC is now considering bringing in a rule change that would exclude them from continuing to be able to dance in mainstream UK dance competitions.

    ‘Contrary to claims by some supporters of the new rule, male same-sex dance duos do not have an advantage. Ballroom dancing is not like tennis or football. Power and strength are not the key to winning. Poise, musicality, expression. timing, floorcraft and presentation are the main judging criteria. This means that two men do not have an advantage over a mixed-sex couple,’ she said.

  • Check Out Perez Hilton As A Child Model

    Perez Hilton, the self proclaimed ‘Queen Of Media’ has posted a ‘modelling’ picture of himself from the 90s

    Perez Hilton, 36, has posted a #ThrowbackThursday picture of himself when he was in his teens on Instagram, with the caption: ‘This was my sad attempt at a model shot! #PosingHard #OhThe90s #LOLs #TBT #ThrowbackThursday.’

    We have to say we’re not feeling the bold patterns, but are liking the chess board prop. Very intelligent.

    Last year Perez Hilton, who became a father, feared for his life after a Twitter spat between Lady Gaga and himself caused her fans to threaten him and his son’s life.

    He said, ‘I can’t sleep. I am literally sick to my stomach. Not playing any f**king games here. I am afraid for my f**king safety and that of my son.’

  • Perez Hilton gets naked in his bathroom

    You may or may not want to avert your eyes, but Hollywood Gossip King has posted a naked pic!

    Earlier today Perez, 36, posted a picture of himself as a child model – now he’s posted a candid photo of himself naked in his bathroom.

    Perez has gone through an incredible body transformation having lost an enormous amount of weight through good diet and a rigorous exercise regime.

    He posted the picture on his Instagram saying, ‘When I’m dating, I make it clear I’ve got nothing to hide! #DatingNaked premieres July 17th at 9/8C on VH1! (sponsored)’

  • Diving Hottie Chris Mears Shares Amazing Body Pic

    Dear #Throwback Thursday we love you.

    (more…)

  • Driving abroad this summer, Be prepared

    Many Brits will hit the roads abroad this summer, with around two million people steering their cars overseas every year*. MoneySuperMarket is urging motorists to check their car insurance policy before they go away to make sure they are fully aware of the cover provided when driving in Europe and further afield.

    Kevin Pratt, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: ‘If you’re taking your car to Europe this summer, the key advice is to understand how you are covered by your car insurance in the country you’re visiting. That means checking to see if your policy covers you to the level legally required in the countries you’re driving through as well as your destination. Many policies will protect you on European roads, but those with ‘fully comp’ cover are often downgraded to the minimum level of cover required in the country they are travelling in. In some cases cover can be limited to the basic third party level unless you pay to extend your fully comprehensive protection to apply off UK soil.

    ‘It is also important to check the number of days you are allowed to be away as this can differ between providers. Read through your policy wording before you travel as you may have to pay an extra premium if you are away longer than your standard cover permits.

    ‘The same applies for breakdown cover. You need to check you’re covered in Europe – on a country by country basis – because being stranded by the roadside, perhaps not speaking the language, and with a car full of fretful passengers, could ruin your holiday and cost you a fortune.’

    Rules of the road
    It’s important to swot up on the local rules of the road – do your homework before you set off on your trip so you are not caught out in an unfamiliar territory. Rules will change from country to country – from carrying a warning triangle, fluorescent vest and breathalyser in France, knowing the alcohol limit in Spain, and giving way to traffic entering a roundabout from the opposite side in Greece, so it really pays to research the rules in your chosen destination.

    Kevin Pratt, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, continues: “When people are relaxed on their holiday they may let their driving guard down, but as soon as you hit European soil, local driving rules apply, so it’s vital holiday-makers are vigilant. In the EU there are certain items you must have stored in your boot while driving such as warning triangles, so it’s worth reading up on exactly what you need before setting off.”

    Top tips for driving abroad:

    – European speed limits are displayed in km/h and not mph, therefore you should watch your speed.

    – In many European countries, the use of dipped headlights is compulsory for cars in poor daytime visibility and compulsory for motorcycles no matter what the visibility, day or night.

    – If travelling between countries, ensure you have a warning triangle in your boot, reflective jackets for each passenger and, if you are travelling to or through ski resorts, snow chains. If you do run into trouble, the emergency number in most countries is 112.

    – You’ll need to display a GB sticker on your car when driving within the EU – failure to do so could result in an on-the-spot fine. It’s also a requirement in some non-EU countries so it’s best to display one wherever you’re driving.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Daytona, Theatre Royal Haymarket

    ★★★ | Daytona, Theatre Royal Haymarket

    In a recent interview, Maureen Lipman said that this is ‘unquestionably the best role’ of her career and she’s not wrong. Lipman is jaw-droppingly stunning in the strictly limited season of Daytona at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

    Daytona is an intimate 3-hander show which tells a story of missed opportunities and what-ifs. Without sharing too much, an Elderly Jewish migrant couple Elli (Maureen Lipman) and Joe (Harry Shearer) are living out their twilight years ballroom dancing and going through the motions of a long and seemingly happy marriage. One evening, whilst Elli is getting last-minute alterations to her dancing dress, Joe’s brother, wild-haired and Hawaii shirt wearing, Billy (Oliver Cotton, who also wrote the play), knocks at the door, after a 30-year estrangement. He tells Joe that he has taken drastic action on a man from their past, he believes was a particularly violent and murderous Nazi during the war, whilst on his holiday, in Daytona.

    His regaling of the story takes up the majority of the first half and is longwinded. The true horror of the back-story fails to register fully – as Billy launches into monologues, so long that they had me looking at my watch. It’s not to say that the emotions weren’t there, but the importance and the investment in the story that an audience needs in the characters and their story are lost with the length of time it takes to get there. It felt as though the audience was lost during the swathes of dialogue.

    It’s not until the second act that the story becomes interesting and Lipman’s competence in ruling the stage is truly felt, reminding us of her abilities as a superb and subtle actor. If only it hadn’t taken so long to get there. There is a captivating monologue where Lipman opens up her character to show an emotionally bereft woman who has only just managed to cope with a life that was forced upon her. A romantic attachment, albeit brief, is quite breathtaking.

    Until 23 August. Box office: 020 7930 8800. Venue details: Theatre Royal Haymarket, London http://www.trh.co.uk

  • Northern Ireland Christian Baker Denies Gay Marriage Cake Order

    A bakery in Northern Ireland which denied a pro-same-sex marriage cake order, based on its owners’ beliefs could now face legal proceedings.

    (more…)

  • OPINION | Why the EU is important for the LGBT Community

    With the rise of extremist parties in the UK and the challenges that face conventional political parties, one of the most contentious battles is over membership of the European Union. The United Kingdom became a member of the EU on the first of January 1973, and have since enjoyed the privileges of a single internal market, a standardised system of laws that apply in all member states and of course human rights.

    But why is the EU so important to the LGBT community?

    LGBT rights are protected under a range of EU treaties and laws that decriminalises homosexuality across all member states. But more than this under EU law there are provisions that combat discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, which have been legally binding across Europe since the 1990s. The EU had single-handedly managed to create a framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation for our community.

    In practice, the law protects every person who identifies with the LGBT from being discriminated against in the work place. This includes refusal of a job, being dismissed and even harassment during work.

    But this is not all the EU has done for our community. In 2009, Lithuania was a battleground of gay rights and abuse. The European Commission made it a point to tone down the homophobic language and abused used freely in the country and even went as far to support the gay pride parade under threat of banning.

    Since then the Council of the European Union have created a binding guideline that instructs EU diplomats around the world to defend the rights of the LGBT community. This is a global effort on behalf of the EU to protect the rights we have fought so hard to gain.

    The legalisation of same-sex marriage in the UK has also been strongly influenced by the EU. Although the EU does allow some level of discretion in the implementation of the EU wide laws, some countries have abused this discretion to prevent same sex marriage. However the views of the EU are clear. It can be seen through the case law of the EU Court of Justice that same sex partners must be treated the same as those who are married.

    The EU has ensured that Europe is most progressive continent in the world for recognising LGBT rights. Legalising same sex activity, marriage and slowly the right for couples to adopt. As well as providing a frame work of anti discrimination laws in the work place and allowing gays to openly serve in the military.

    There is no doubt that the EU has made the world a safer and more accepting place for us. If the UK were to remove its self from the EU then it would also remove all EU wide law that protects our rights. Although we would have domestic law that to some extent offers similar protection, membership to the EU provides safeguards that force even the government to protect our rights.

    No matter your views or opinion on the EU, we can all agree that they have significantly contributed to the protection of our community and without their support, it is highly unlikely that we would have come as far as we have in the struggle for equality.

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, it’s management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

  • COLUMN | Dating Dilemma

    When embarking on a new relationship, or even trying to throw a bit of glitter back into your existing one, we find ourselves putting forward ideas for activities we may not have thought about doing previously. Have you ever looked back on anything you once did with a significant other and thought, “WTF?!”.

    Perhaps I am a little out of touch with the haze that surrounds you in the beginning of a new relationship. In a moment of excitement, such as the honeymoon phase, deciding what to have for dinner can seem epic and I understand that entirely. I suppose what does not sit comfortably with me are the cliché scenarios that are bound to pop up whilst you first start dating someone.

    You may not believe it, as I have only focused on negatives here, but I would refer to myself as a romantic, and one that enjoys being whisked up in a whirlwind. I am just praying for a bit more originality when the time comes. I certainly have some cards up my sleeve in the waiting line. Do you feel like we need a dating revolution? A re-vamp? Or do you favour the more traditional, predictable routes?

    It is understandable if the activity was already high on your other half’s interest list, and you made a compromise to do something together, but it’s when you find an old photo and think, “who was it that was into croquet?!”. I think it’s particularly interesting that during the honeymoon phase, a time when we share our own interests with one another, it’s often during this time we like the idea of trying something new and hope to both enjoy it, as it can then become our “thing”.

    For instance, one thing that makes me smirk is when we first get together with someone, we may find it a fabulous idea to go and visit a castle in the countryside. Let’s go for a drive in the countryside and walk around a castle. Happy smiley selfies with eroding bricks in the background to follow. Brilliant. I may be a princess but I gave up castles when they finished on the school outing syllabus, aged 9. There are just some things in life that I don’t believe have any benefit to seeing in the flesh over a photograph. Especially where the UK is concerned. A castle’s gift shop is never as grand as you want it to be (other than its prices), and nobody wants a souvenir where that sh** is made ON SITE, and probably went past its use by like yesteryear.

    I suppose you are limited by your location and facilities available in some instances, but what I am trying to understand is surely during a time of prime opportunity of getting to know one another, it’s often that we favour distraction and not attraction. I also have a few problems with some of our more traditional date settings too…

    The Cinema. Alternatively we could just put a film on at home, and not talk to each other for the next two hours without having to leave the house or spend money on transport and a ticket? Am I the only one that finds the cinema the most unromantic thing ever? Specifically for a date. Paying to sit in a room full of strangers, and essentially watch TV with them, whilst not saying a word to the person you’re actually there with. As for the “whole experience”- If it’s a movie we’re watching then I would rather that experience, be without queues, over priced drinks (and it’s not even alcohol) and breathing in other peoples demon popcorn breath.

    Kids at the age of 14 now look about 25 so makes it more annoying when they don’t get asked for I.D and continue to hold the screening hostage to their moronic teenage outbursts. To be fair my friend and I did the same thing at that age when Lord of the Rings first came out. From the moment the movie started playing, we continued to apply minty lip gloss that glared back at the bright screen like beacons and pulled crazy wide mouthed faces every time the screaming horses had a scene.

    Picnic. Even the word aggravates me. Picnic picnic picnic. Blergh. I love the idea of a gorgeous summer’s day and arriving somewhere picturesque, slow motion holding a pastel coloured sun umbrella. My silk shawl sliding down my shoulders as I place the wicker hamper down on the tartan blanket. But no- the basket is fricking heavy… okay so the carrier bags are heavy. There is way too much food and EVERYTHING appears to have been marinated in mayonnaise so will have to be thrown away after more than an hour in the heat. Some form of nature; a dog, bee, baby, etc. is going to ruin the ambience and moment of calm and it’s really stressful even thinking about this right now.

    “Hey bebe, let’s watch the sun-set tonight”. Unless you’re in an amazing part of the world, or it’s a special day, I’m not going to go out my way to book an appointment with something that happens every day. I would find the whole thing far much more romantic if this scenario was organic and the sun just so happened to be setting with wet sand between our toes on the other side of the planet. Personally, I am more of a sun-riser kinda guy anyway. Maybe now I’m just being a bit difficult.

  • EVITA is returning to the West End

    Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s EVITA returns to London’s West End for a strictly limited season.

    Opening on Tuesday 16 September at the recently refurbished Dominion Theatre, the musical considered by many to be Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s masterwork will play for 55 performances only in the West End, with musical theatre and pop icon Marti Pellow playing Che, and extraordinarily talented newcomer Madalena Alberto in the title role.

    With more than 20 major awards to its credit, and the Oscar winning film version starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas, Evita has become iconic. It features some of the most memorable and best loved songs in musical theatre, including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, On This Night of a Thousand Stars, You Must Love Me, and Another Suitcase in Another Hall. Evita charts the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, from her humble beginnings through to the extraordinary wealth, power and iconic status which ultimately led her to be heralded as the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’.

    Marti Pellow, one of music’s most respected artists, plays Che, a character who reflects the voice of the Argentine people – linked to Eva by destiny; he brings conflict to the story of Eva’s rise to fame. For over 30 years Marti Pellow has enjoyed global success as the lead singer of Wet Wet Wet, as a solo artist, and now as one of the UK’s most acclaimed and respected leading men of musical theatre. Starring roles include The Witches of Eastwick, Chess, Jekyll & Hyde, Chicago and Blood Brothers. As a solo-singer, recording artist and with Wet Wet Wet, Marti Pellow has enjoyed virtually unrivalled chart success, with over 25 hits and three of the UK’s biggest number one singles, including the seminal Love Is All Around. In 2013, after 20 years apart, Wet Wet Wet reunited for a sell-out arena tour.

    Madalena Alberto’s musical theatre credits include the role of Piaf at the Curve Theatre and Fantine in the 25th Anniversary production of Les Misérables. Other roles include Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde, Carmen Diaz in Fame, Sam in Over the Threshold and Sonia in Godspell. The Portuguese singer-songwriter’s first album Don’t Cry For Me will be released to coincide with the opening.

    LISTINGS NEWS:
    ADDRESS – Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Rd, London W1T 7AQ
    DATES – Tuesday 16 September – Saturday 1 November 2014
    TIMES – Mon – Sat @ 7.45pm, Thu & Sat @ 3pm, Mon 22 Sept @ 7pm
    TICKET PRICES – £25 – £65; Under 16s, £10 off top three prices Mon – Thu & Sat Mat
    BOOKING INFORMATION – www.dominiontheatre.com / 0845 200 7982

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