Interesting equality and diversity news from last week – move to end the ban on MPs with mental health issues, possibility of ‘curing’ deafness, juggling work and childcare and coming out in football.
Last week, government backed the move to end the law that bars people with mental health issues from serving as MPs and company directors or on juries. Currently, MPs detained under the Mental Health Act for more than six months are stripped of their seat. There is no equivalent provision for those suffering from physical health issues. The bill to end this discriminatory ban was presented by the private member Tory MP Gavin Barwell. Barwell said, “The law as it stands sends out a clear message that if someone has a mental health condition their contribution to public life is not welcome. That is an affront to a decent civilised society.”
A breakthrough in scientific research has for the first time demonstrated that stem cells can improve hearing in animals. In the near future, this could potentially be used for treating deafness in human beings. While this is largely seen as a positive development, reactions among the Deaf community to the ‘cure’ may be mixed. In an interesting article in the Guardian, Charlie Swinebourne writes: “For members of the Deaf community (deliberately spelt with a big D), being deaf is not seen as something that holds them back. In BSL (British Sign Language) they have their own language, and they see themselves more as part of an ethnic group, sharing not only a common language but also a common culture, shared history and experiences.”
For those trying to juggle childcare and work, financial issues are only too familiar. The current financial climate has affected the availability and type of childcare in many homes and has often forced one parent to stay at home. Sarah Jane-Butler, Director of Parental Choice, however, believes that flexibility offers a way to balance work and childcare. She offers several solutions, such as nanny share, nanny and nursery combination and staggered starts to the working day.
In an interview with the Gay Football Supporters’ Network, the footballer Clarke Carlisle has said that gay players in the UK are frightened to come out due to media pressure. Clarke went on: “You have to understand that the use of language in football, in the changing rooms, between players and managers and of course on the terraces is at a pretty base level… so any player thinking about doing this would need to be very brave”.
Did you come across something interesting? Do let us know – Equality.and.Diversity@lse.ac.uk.
