Speakers@Google: Ben Summerskill August 25, 2009

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Ben Summerskill visits Google London to discuss his role as Chief Executive of the UK-based Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual equality organisation Stonewall, now the largest gay equality body in Europe. This event took place as part of the Speakers@Google series, on 11th August 2009.

Having started his career in the hospitality industry, he moved into journalism and local politics. He rose to the position of Assistant Editor of The Observer and served as a Labour councillor at Westminster City Council. At Stonewall, he has led campaigns for repeal of Section 28 of the Local Government Act and the introduction of Civil Partnerships for lesbian and gay people in the UK. He also was heavily involved in the campaign for protection against discrimination in the provision of "goods and services" to lesbian and gay people, covering areas from healthcare and housing to hotels and holidays. In addition, Ben has been a commissioner on the Britain's new Equality and Human Rights Commission since 2006.