Anna Lo MLA said: “The delay in publishing the Sexual Orientation Strategy is completely unacceptable. We have been waiting for this strategy for nearly a decade, yet there does not appear to be any prospect of it coming any time soon. Incidents such as the vandalism of the home of Paul Finlay-Dickson are a reminder of the abuse and attacks that members of the LGBT community suffer on a regular basis.
“OFMDFM have been dragging their feet on this issue and have previously committed to publishing such a document, only for a target date of publication to go by without any movement.
“We were told by the Junior Minister that a public consultation closed 12 months ago and the results are being reviewed. This is a ridiculous situation. This strategy must be published without any further delay.
“The delay is an absolute disgrace. It is clear that the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister do not see the urgency in publishing this strategy.”
ENDS