Proposals to outlaw Sexual Orientation Discrimination in the Provision of Goods & Services
Starting Date: 13-03-06
Closing Date: 05-06-06
The Equality Act 2006 included a power that allows the Government to prohibit discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation in the provision of goods, facilities and services, in education and in the exercise of public functions. The Government intends to use this power to make Regulations that take effect on 6 April 2007.
This consultation paper describes the approach proposed for these regulations. They are intended to bring protection from sexual orientation discrimination into line with existing legislation that prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, sex and for reasons related to disability. Legislation prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief will come into effect at the same time as the Regulations described in this consultation. This consultation paper seeks views on specific points about the range of activities that should be covered by the Regulations, and on whether any exceptions should be provided from them to ensure that the protection provided is effective and appropriately targeted.
Responsibility for this policy area has transferred to the Department of Communities and Local Government (for details see their website.) The Government Response will be published there in due course.
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