Large oil and gas players have a “massive role” to play in driving “change for good” across the world, particularly in protecting LGBTQ+ rights, an industry expert has said.
Reflecting on the importance of ‘pride month’ within the energy sphere, Ross McKenzie, a partner at Addleshaw Goddard with responsibility for inclusion, based in Aberdeen, said companies have a “social responsibility” to make a positive difference.
But he said that LGBTQ+ rights are unfortunately not recognised in several countries where the energy sector is particularly active.
As of last year, there were 69 United Nations countries that had laws criminalising homosexuality.
Some of those states that clamp down on LGTBQ+ rights make up the world’s biggest oil and gas hotspots, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Guyana.
Pride month is a global initiative that aims to celebrate how far LGTBQ+ rights have come and to highlight issues that still need to be addressed.
Mr McKenzie said: “More and more countries in the world are introducing very anti-LGBT laws and that’s a very worrying sign.
“Large players in the sector have a massive role to play in making change for good and stakeholders are beginning to question these exploits. There’s a social responsibility that is broader than simply doing the right thing. It’s about being active and pushing for change where it’s needed.”
© Supplied by Niyi Fote/via ZUMA WHe also recognised that the UK “isn’t perfect” and there is work that still needs to be done on our own doorstep.
Within the energy sector itself, Mr McKenzie pointed to “great work” being carried out by Oil and Gas UK and OGTC around diversity.
And the benefits of creating a more varied workforce go beyond simply improving the industry’s image.
Mr McKenzie said: “In the last few years there’s been a greater recognition that diversity and inclusion are essential for the future of the energy sector.
“The only way that the industry, particularly in the north-east, can push forward is through innovation and different ways of thinking. That inevitably needs different types of people working together to drive change.
“If you employ the same people all the time, then you’re going to get the same ideas and the same results. At that broader level, diversity is really important.”
Historically, LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion in the energy sector is something that “hasn’t ever really been discussed”.
Mr McKenzie said: “Downstream energy suppliers in particular are very active, but it isn’t as visible upstream except for the bigger players.
“But, you’re now seeing more initiatives particularly around pride month, and that’s what makes it really important.
“It’s an opportunity to shine a light on things that organisations are doing and, although there’s often some criticism about companies flying the rainbow flag without depth of commitment behind it, it does bring attention in a wide scale way – the energy sector should embrace that.
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