Battle against transgender discrimination 'in jeopardy'

The TUC is concerned cuts in public spending will make it more difficult to identify and tackle discrimination against transgender people.

Efforts to combat workplace bullying suffered by transgender people and enforce discrimination law rely in part on authorities' investigative powers.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber explained transgender individuals are receiving more sympathetic coverage in mainstream media and commended the government's commitment to tackling prejudice and discrimination.

However, he claimed the level of violence suffered by this group still "represents an appalling percentage of a very small community" and spending cuts will hamper efforts to combat discrimination.

"Prejudice against transgender people remains deep, as it does for lesbian, gay and bisexual people, and public spending could severely impact on the ability of authorities to identify and tackle such crimes."

His comments were intended to coincide with Transgender Day of Remembrance, recognised around the world on November 20th to commemorate those victims of violent crimes.

Figures from the TUC indicate there were 257 trans victims of hate crime in 2010, a 14 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

Published by Kevin Round