Government proposes new equality legislation

3rd July 2009

Plans to introduce a new clause into the equality bill to guard against 'dual discrimination' were revealed yesterday.

Under current laws, allegations of discrimination can only be brought under one issue - such as disability, race, sexual orientation, religion or age.

However, those who feel their rights have been violated due to particular prejudice against a combination of characteristics would be able to pursue a specific claim.

For example, a black woman who believes her employer is discriminating against her specifically because she is a black woman - rather than a white woman or black man - would be able to sue for both sex and race reasons.

Solicitor general and equality bill lead minister Vera Baird said the amendment would reflect the diversity of the general public and the myriad of problems they may face.

She said: "This clause would provide protection for people who at present would have to guess on what basis they have been discriminated against, wholly outside their dignity."

The equality bill was announced by Harriet Harman in April and aims to replace current legislation with a unified set of guidelines.