New equality law to drop the word 'homosexual'

It was, famously, the love that dared not speak its name. Now the word "homosexual" is to disappear altogether as part of a new government drive to promote equality in the workplace.

After complaints from groups that found the word offensive and outdated, Barbara Roche, the Equalities minister, has decided it should be replaced in forthcoming anti-discrimination legislation.

Draft regulations, which are certain to become law by December 2003, instead use the phrase "orientation towards people of the same sex" to define gays and lesbians. The new law will for the first time make it illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee or prospective employee on the ground of sexuality.

The issue first arose when the minister asked for opinions on her plans to protect people who were discriminated at work because of their "homosexual, heterosexual or bisexual" nature. Gay lobby groups, trade unions and others objected to the word "homosexual" and called instead for a wider definition of "sexual orientation" that would encompass every group in society.

Mrs Roche told The Independent: "It's not about political correctness. You are actually making a statement that these issues have moved on."