Equality bill
Proposed legislation to simplify and harmonise current equalities legislation
The Equality Bill was introduced to the House of Commons on 24 April 2009.
Aims of the Bill
The stated aim of the Bill is to 'harmonise discrimination law, and to strengthen the law to support progress on equality'. The Bill will replace all existing equality legislation, including the Equal Pay Act.
The Bill looks to strengthen the law in a number of key areas by:
- creating a general public duty. HEIs will have to consider how their policies, programmes and service delivery will affect people with the protected characteristics;
- extending the range of lawful positive action to overcome or minimise a disadvantage arising from a protected characteristic;
- extending the circumstance in which a person is protected against discrimination, harassment or victimisation because of a protected characteristic;
- allowing employment tribunals to make recommendations in discrimination cases which apply to the whole workforce.
Protected characteristics
The following are classed as protected characteristics:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief (including lack of belief)
- sex
- sexual orientation
Timescale
The Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent in spring 2010. The majority of the Bill is expected to come in to force in autumn 2010, with the general public duty following in 2011.
Current progress
Visit our Equality Bill project page for the most up to date guidance and information on the progression of the Equality Bill through Parliament.