Chris,
I don't wish to labour the legal point but there were four men involved and the law is quite clear, i.e. An act of buggery by one man with another shall NOT be treated as taking place in private if it takes place when more than two persons take part or are present.
The FBU representation for the accused was not up to the required standard, in fact is was down to the expected standard for a case of this nature.
The political isues were allowed to take centre stage and the core issue of the actual transgression used as an excuse to make an example of the firefighters and to show how 'in touch' the FA is.
The four were suspended for three months. What a waste of valuable resources. I wonder if the council tax payers of Avon are happy with that?
Two were fined 1000 pounds, one demoted and the fourth has a letter of reprimand. They have also been shifted to other stations within Avon FB. In addition, all must attend workshops on equality and also attend the conference being held in Bristol, entitled 'Lesbians, Gays, Bi-sexuals and Transgender Equality in the Fire Service - an absolute taboo?’
I have no issues with Gay people and would be more than happy to have them on any watch I served on and would make every effort to see that fairness and equality were observed in all activities. I do have strong feelings on the politicisation of this and how the firefighters have been made scapegoats and hung out to dry by management and the Union.
The whole thing is a complete farce and an absolute disgrace.
