British Developments in Non-Discrimination Law: The Equality Act
24 Pages Posted: 2 Nov 2013
Date Written: June 1, 2011
Abstract
This paper examines the Equality Act 2010 and considers the extent to which it meets the objectives of the law reform process. At its core, there are two key aims identified in the Act: ‘to reform and harmonise equality law’, and ‘to increase equality of opportunity’. The first aim might be characterised as more technical in nature. It entailed the challenging process of consolidating many different legal instruments into one legislative Act, while at the same time modernising the legislation in various respects. The second aim is profoundly ambitious as it explicitly seeks to bring about a particular social change. This paper considers how the Equality Act measures up to both of these objectives.
Keywords: equality, discrimination, Britain, positive action, reform, harmonisation
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