Discrimination against lesbian, gay and bisexual people is widespread in Northern Ireland, according to a report.
The report, published by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, shows how the gay community is discriminated against in areas such as criminal law, employment, partnership, family life and healthcare.
The problem is particularly evident, according to the report, in family and partnership legislation where same-sex couples are not regarded as parents. This can have implications for the education and healthcare of the children of these couples. The report also maintains the extent of the discrimination has been hidden because of lack of research and the fear members of the gay community have of being "outed".
Compiled by the University of Ulster, the report, Enhancing the Rights of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People in Northern Ireland, found many in the gay community are less likely to access legal services because of this fear.
Several recommendations are made in the report including the setting up of a legal advice centre geared specifically to the gay community. The report also recommends that the British government and the Assembly enact a law recognising same-sex partnerships.
One of the authors, Mr Dermot Feenan, lecturer in law at the University of Ulster, described the report as a "landmark document" which he hoped would lead to a more inclusive society.
Despite a legal duty on authorities, enshrined in the Belfast Agreement, to promote equality of opportunity with regard to issues such as sexual orientation, this is not always exercised.
"Many show little evidence of policies or practices that relate to lesbian, gay or bisexual people," he said.
The report recommends the Northern Ireland Assembly should set up a task force to address concerns faced by the gay community.
Commenting on the report yesterday, Mr Brice Dickson, chief commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, said he hoped attention would be paid to the report's contents.
"I hope that early changes in law and policy will result so that lesbian, gay and bisexual people can genuinely feel more included in our society," he said.