Memorandum submitted by Rory O'Loughlin (E 59)

 

Equality Bill: Chapter 2: Sections 152 & 153.

 

1. The first two sections (152 & 153) of chapter 2, titled "Positive Action" should be removed outright from the bill. Their enforcement results in direct discrimination against men in recruitment and promotion by allowing employers to select a female candidate, over an equally qualified male candidate for no better reason other than her gender permits such action due to a 'perceived' disadvantage.

 

2. "Positive" action resolves one group disadvantage, but only by creating disadvantage in another group - you can not positively discriminate in favour of one group (women) without negatively discriminating against another (men). Moreover, in real terms, women are not at any disadvantage to men. Selectively using and distorting statistics on the gender pay gap does not turn a 'perceived' disadvantage into an actual disadvantage - twice as many men have degrees and firsts, in no part due to discrimination, but more likely because of male higher IQ. Also many surveys have indicated that women are less career focused than men, and want to be housewives, ergo, there is no discrimination, just naturally occurring differences and lifestyle choices.

 

June 2009