INTERLAW FORUM: concerns highlighted over staff being sent to homophobic countries


The newly formed InterLaw Forum for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lawyers is to investigate the problems faced by members when they are posted to countries hostile to homosexuality.



Ben Summerskill, chief executive of Stonewall, told the Gazette firms should be alive to the problems or risk losing high-calibre staff.



He said: 'This is a problem that more businesses that work internationally want to address... firms must make sure people are not disadvantaged for turning down a posting abroad.



'In the last few years we have come across a couple of cases where people were deeply concerned that their career may be damaged by having chosen not to take an overseas posting.'



UK firms are rapidly expanding in countries throughout the Middle East and in China and Russia. Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia and Iran, and can be punished by flogging, prison or even death. It was listed as a mental disorder in China until 2001, and only decriminalised in Russia in 1993.



Anita Tovell, human resources director at City firm Simmons & Simmons, cautioned that managers should not investigate too closely if a member of staff declines a posting, because they may not wish to disclose their sexual orientation.



She said: 'We have to be very careful that we comply with the law in any country in which we are operating - that's both the law within the country and the law with regard to visas etc... and that we don't put members in any situation where they are at risk or particularly uncomfortable.'



Tovell stressed that firms must be aware of problems in getting visas for civil partners or unmarried couples - both heterosexual and gay or lesbian - in certain countries. She added that some, including China, ask potential residents if they are HIV positive.



Caroline Wilson, director of diversity at national firm Eversheds, said large firms with a mix of international offices should always be able to offer lesbian, gay and transgender staff equivalent opportunities to ensure fairness. She added that the firm would 'never, ever force' anyone to accept a secondment abroad.



One UK lawyer currently working in Russia, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Gazette: 'I wouldn't go anywhere there's a risk of jail. They would be stupid to send me and I would be stupid to go... but the question is not about the rules really, but about whether they are enforced.'



While stressing he had not experienced homophobia at work, he said gay and lesbian employees needed to be cautious. He said there had been an increase in abuse and attacks, mainly from older, religious people or young skinheads, following protests against Russia's first gay pride march in 2006.



Anita Rice