Equality Legislation

Current equality legislation has evolved over the past forty years and includes:

• Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006
• Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995, as amended
• Sex Discrimination Act (SDA) 1975, as amended
• Employment Equality (Sex Discrimination) Regulations 2005
• Race Relations Act (RRA) 1976, as amended
• Employment Equality (Religion and Belief) Regulations 2003
• Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003
• Equality Act 2006

The Equality Bill was published in April 2009 and is in the process of formal reading in the House of Lords. The Bill will simplify and strengthen existing equality legislation and extend cover against unlawful discrimination on the grounds of Marital or Civil Partnership status, Maternity or Paternity, and Gender Re-Assignment. Protection against discrimination on the grounds of Age will be extended and the Public Sector duties will be increased to encompass Age.