Changes to equality bill approved

9th July 2009

Two amendments to the equality bill have been welcomed by a government official today after it passed through committee MPs' scrutiny in the House of Commons on Tuesday (July 7th).

Vera Baird, secretary general and equality bill lead minister, commended the changes as being important for pushing the new legislation forward and ensuring civil rights for everyone.

One amendment guards against prejudice towards pregnant women or new mothers and the other is aimed at 'dual discrimination', so that individuals can claim for a mixture of two protected characteristics - which includes disability.

Ms Baird said: "The successful completion of the committee scrutiny process means the equality bill is making good progress and we are a step closer to creating a more equal society."

Definitions of disability were one of a number of considerations in relation to the bill that the committee meeting discussed.

A recent landmark House of Lords ruling will allow those who suffer from disabilities that fluctuate in severity over periods of time to still be considered disabled.