20 Apr 2005 - Protection against discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief
New laws to boost protection against discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief have been published by the Government.
The new measures, in the Equality Bill, would meet the Government's commitment to combat discrimination on the basis of a person's religion or belief in the supply of goods, facilities, services and premises and also include measures which would make it unlawful for public authorities to discriminate or harass anyone in carrying out their functions.
The provisions contain exemptions for faith schools, activities to meet the special needs of religions and beliefs in education, welfare and training, and for religion and belief organisations and charities.
The new measures, in the Equality Bill, would meet the Government's commitment to combat discrimination on the basis of a person's religion or belief in the supply of goods, facilities, services and premises and also include measures which would make it unlawful for public authorities to discriminate or harass anyone in carrying out their functions.
The provisions contain exemptions for faith schools, activities to meet the special needs of religions and beliefs in education, welfare and training, and for religion and belief organisations and charities.