The Equality Act 2010

Question 1

What is the The Equality Act 2010, and what does is cover?

Answer 1

The Equality Duty replaces the three previous public sector equality duties - for race, disability and gender. The Equality Duty now covers the following protected characteristics:

1 - age
2 - disability
3 - gender reassignment
4 - pregnancy and maternity
5 - race - this includes ethnic or national origins, colour or nationality
6 - religion or belief - this includes lack of belief
7 - sex
8 - sexual orientation
9 - marriage and civil partnership (only in respect of the requirement to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination)

Question 2

What are the main aims of the Equality Act?

Answer 2

The Equality Duty has three aims. It requires public bodies to have due regard to the need to:

1 - eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Act;

2 - advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it;

3 - foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.