Consultation published on caste discrimination

04 April 2017

 

This consultation is about how to ensure that there is appropriate and proportionate legal protection against unlawful discrimination because of a person’s origins with due consideration given to how such protection would be implemented in practice.

 

Geographical extent – this consultation applies to Great Britain only so excludes Northern Ireland.

 

From the foreword of the consultation:

“No one should suffer prejudice or discrimination on any grounds. Behaviour based on prejudice and discrimination is wrong and should not be condoned, whether or not it is prohibited by legislation. Any prejudice and discrimination based on a person’s origins is unfair and unacceptable in a modern society. There is no place for it. We want to eliminate any unlawful discrimination and create a genuinely meritocratic society that works for everyone. “

 

The Government Equalities Office (GEO) has published a consultation which provides an opportunity for a public debate on whether caste is required to be an aspect of race in the Equality Act. And to analyse the implications of the amendment in section 9 (5) (a) of the Equality Act, involving all those who may be affected by it in relation to work, the provision of goods and services and the carrying out of public functions.

 

The GEO hope that employers, service providers and public authorities, as well as the wider public, will all contribute to this consultation, hence the 16 weeks given to ensure that everyone will have the opportunity to express their opinions.

The closing date for responses is 17 July 2017.