Law centre urged to withdraw support for Kellerman case
The Glasgow law “charity” acting for the American woman, Claire Kellerman, has been told to withdraw a letter which implies threat of legal action against local businesses.
A former patron of the Ethnic Minorities Law Centre, Lord Foulkes, has told them to stop using a letter which names him as patron and is still being used to intimidate business owners.
The EMLC letter states: “A refusal of entry, refusal of service or unfavourable treatment arising from the presence of an assistance dog may amount to unlawful discrimination contrary to the Equality Act 2010.
“For the avoidance of doubt: There is no legal requirement in the United Kingdom for an assistance dog to be registered, certified or carry identification documentation”.
The Gazette understands the letter has been brandished by Ms Kellerman in at least 20 business premises, mainly in Stornoway, though also further afield, including Uist and Skye.
Immediately below the letter and details of the Ethnic Minority Law Centre’s charitable status. “The Right Honourable Lord Foulkes” is named as Patron, adding a note of credibility to the organisation.
However, he told the Gazette this week: “I have again written to the Ethnic Minorities Law Centre’s chairman making clear my name should not be used in connection with any action they are involved in on behalf of Ms Kellerman. I have told them she must cease and desist from use of that letter, so long as it has my name is on it”.
The letter, first issued by the Ethnic Minorities Law Centre in May, has proved effective in deterring business owners from speaking out, for fear of legal repercussions.
Lord Foulkes also said that, following widespread media interest in the case, he was asked to write an article about it for Westminster’s “House Magazine”.
He wrote: “In 2018, soon after the sad death of the great Liberal Democrat leader, Charlie Kennedy, I was asked if I would take his place as a Patron of the Ethnic Minorities Law Centre and, having concern that many from ethnic minorities often need special help, I enthusiastically agreed.
“However, over the past eight years they never asked me to any meetings, sent me any reports or involved me in any aspect of their work and my role had slipped my mind, with so much else to consider, until it was drawn to my attention (in the Bernera context).
“When I heard details of this case and looked into it in detail, I had no hesitation in resigning as a Patron and have made it clear to the EMLC that I think their action in this case is wrong as it does not fall within their remit.
“Also, following the publicity, I have had strong support from people with disabilities who really need access with their assistance dogs and fear this case is harming their genuine needs. It may also serve as a reminder to those of us in public office to be doubly careful when agreeing to become Patrons or Honorary Presidents and to check these appointments.”