Council Ban On Hiring Gays (Press, 28 September 1984)
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Summary: Council Ban On Hiring Gays (Press, 28 September 1984)
On 28 September 1984, it was reported that the Rugby local authority in Warwickshire, England, has made headlines for banning the hiring of homosexuals. This decision comes after the Conservative-controlled council voted to repeal a regulation that previously prohibited discrimination against homosexuals in employment. According to the London tabloid "The Sun," council police committee chairman Gordon Collett expressed strong opposition to employing gay individuals, citing discomfort with their appearances and asserting that it's time to draw a line against what he described as a "permissive society." Collett stated, "We’re not having men turn up for work in dresses and earrings around here," indicating a firm stance against accepting homosexuals in the workplace, regardless of their qualifications. He acknowledged that while gay individuals may possess excellent qualifications and be the best candidates for the job, the council prioritises its stance against employing homosexuals over these factors. Importantly, the council has assured that any existing employees who may identify as gay will not be dismissed; however, Collett expressed uncertainty about whether any such employees exist, stating, "If there are any, I certainly don’t know about it." The decision has drawn criticism, particularly from the council's Labour minority leader, Jeff Coupe, who described the council's stance as "irresponsible, insensitive, and tasteless." The Equal Opportunities Commission also commented on the situation, clarifying that it had no jurisdiction to intervene since there is currently no legislation that addresses discrimination based on sexual orientation. This incident reflects the broader societal challenges regarding homosexuality and discrimination during the 1980s.
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