DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PEOPLE OF RESTRICTED GROWTH

Early day motion 165, tabled 20 November 2002 by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 125 members.

That this House notes that approximately one in 25,000 births to parents of average heights is of a baby of restricted growth; that such babies are sometimes rejected by their parents because of the stigma associated with the disability; that children and adults of restricted growth and their families are subjected to a constant media barrage of thoughtless discrimination, comment and misplaced jokes via the media, the wider public and some professionals; notes the excellent work of the Restricted Growth Association and the Dwarf Athletics Association UK; and calls on those with influence in the media, in education and in the medical profession to present positive images of those with restricted growth, and to challenge the stereotypes associated with the conditions.

Signatures by party: Labour 54, Liberal Democrat 44, Conservative 10, Labour/Co-operative 10, Scottish National Party 4, UUP 2, Independent 1.