DISCRIMINATORY PRACTISE BY TATTOOISTS

DISCRIMINATORY PRACTISE BY TATTOOISTS

Following two cases in Greater Manchester which recently came to our attention where people living with HIV were refused tattoos, we have been advocating with the relevant authorities to ensure that every tattooist in each of the ten boroughs understands their obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and are clear about the fact that to refuse to tattoo someone based on HIV status is unlawful.

As a result of our interventions, we’re very pleased that this issue will now be discussed at a meeting later this month of senior managers with responsibility for tattoo parlour licensing across Greater Manchester.

We are hopeful that this meeting will agree the content of a letter which will be sent to all tattooists telling them that they cannot refuse to tattoo someone living with HIV.

We’ll keep you informed about the outcome of the meeting, but in the meantime, if you have been refused a tattoo because of your HIV status, please let us know.  Email colin@ght.org.uk