Laura Doughty has been appointed Deputy Chief Executive of Stonewall

She was previously Director of Fundraising and Communications. Laura’s appointment reflects the recent growth of Stonewall and its ambition to further grow the charity’s work and impact

Laura said: ‘This is a hugely exciting time to be Deputy Chief Executive of Stonewall. I look forward to working with the Stonewall team, the lesbian, gay and bisexual community and all our key stakeholders to ensure that we achieve equality in every aspect of our lives – at home, at school and at work.’

About Stonewall

Stonewall was founded in 1989 by a small group of women and men who had been active in the struggle against Section 28 of the Local Government Act.

Section 28 was an offensive piece of legislation designed to prevent the so-called ‘promotion’ of homosexuality in schools; as well as stigmatising gay people it also galvanised the gay community.

The aim from the outset was to create a professional lobbying group that would prevent such attacks on lesbians, gay men and bisexuals from ever occurring again. Stonewall has subsequently put the case for equality on the mainstream political agenda by winning support within all the main political parties and now has offices in England, Scotland and Wales.

Stonewall is renowned for its campaigning and lobbying. Some major successes include helping achieve the equalisation of the age of consent, lifting the ban on lesbians and gay men serving in the military, securing legislation allowing same-sex couples to adopt and the repeal of Section 28. More recently Stonewall has helped secure civil partnerships and ensured the recent Equality Act protected lesbians and gay men in terms of goods and services.

Visit Stonewall working for equality and justice for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. www.stonewall.org.uk

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