Legislative Scrutiny: Equality Bill - Human Rights Joint Committee

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Human Rights Joint Committee Publications

Human Rights Joint Committee - Twenty-Sixth Report
Legislative Scrutiny: Equality Bill

Here you can browse the report together with the Proceedings of the Committee. The published report was ordered by the House of Lords and the House of Commons to be printed 27 October 2009.

CONTENTS

Terms of Reference

REPORT

SUMMARY

BILL DRAWN TO THE SPECIAL ATTENTION OF BOTH HOUSES: EQUALITY BILL

1  INTRODUCTION

Background
Evidence and Acknowledgements
Explanatory Notes
The Effect of the Bill
The Right to Equality
A Constitutional Guarantee or Purpose Clause
Significant Human Rights Issues

2  SOCIO-ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES

3  EQUALITY: KEY CONCEPTS

Protected Characteristics

Age Discrimination
The Definition of Disability
Gender Reassignment
Marriage/Civil Partnership
Other Protected Characteristics

The Different Forms of Discriminatory Behaviour

The Definition of Direct Discrimination
Discrimination on the Basis of Association and Perception
Combined Discrimination: Dual Characteristics
Harassment
Discrimination Related to Disability

4  SERVICES AND PUBLIC FUNCTIONS

The Definition of Public Authorities
Immigration Exceptions

Disability
Ethnicity and Nationality
Religion and Immigration
Insurance Exception

5  PREMISES

6  WORK

Occupational Requirements

Employment by Organisations Based Upon Religion or Belief
Armed Forces Exemption
Default Retirement Age

Equal Pay

7  EDUCATION

The Scope of Protection
School Admissions
Curriculum
Collective Worship
School Transport

8  ASSOCIATIONS

Political Parties

9  PROHIBITED CONDUCT: ANCILLARY

10  ENFORCEMENT

National Security
Power to Make Recommendations
Representative Actions

11  ADVANCEMENT OF EQUALITY

Public Sector Equality Duty

General Provisions
The Definition of Public Authorities & Bodies Performing a Public Function
Specific Duties and Public Procurement

Positive Action Measures

12  GENERAL EXCEPTIONS

Statutory Exceptions

Restrictions on Foreign Nationals in Crown Employment
Religious Organisations
Separate and Single-Sex Provision
National Security
Charities

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
FORMAL MINUTES

WITNESSES
LIST OF WRITTEN EVIDENCE
LIST OF REPORTS FROM THE COMMITTEE DURING THE CURRENT PARLIAMENT

MINUTES OF EVIDENCE

Wednesday 24 June 2009

WRITTEN EVIDENCE

© Parliamentary copyright 2009
Prepared 12 November 2009