ABSTRACT
The fIrst attempt in the UK to organise around the gays in the military issue was when the pressure group Rank Outsiders was formed in 1991 (Hall 1995: 166). This group is closely linked with the gay and lesbian lobbying organisation Stonewall, which campaigns for legal change on a range of issues affecting gays and lesbians (see also Waites, Chapter 2 of this volume). Stonewall's director, Angela Mason, summarising its claim for 'full civil rights', argues for action with regard to 'sexual offences reform, anti-discrimination laws, partnership recognition and parenting rights' (Mason 1995). The orgarlisation's approach is to argue for equality for all, seeking to have the bars and disadvantages encountered by gays and lesbians systematically removed. It is essentially a campaign for the 'same' treatment.
