New UK Laws Will Protect Against Discrimination On The Grounds Of Religion Or Belief

[krsna]

 

office@hinducounciluk.org

 

LONDON, UK, March 3, 2005: The Equality Bill received its first reading

in the House of Commons yesterday, and will be published today,

according to this report from the Hindu Council UK ("source"). Copies

of the bill (and the explanatory notes) will be available shortly on

the Parliamentary website

http://www...the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/pabills.htm and

may be purchased from the Stationery Office.

 

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.

 

Home Office Minister for Race Equality and Community Cohesion, Fiona

Mactaggart, MP, said: "People in Britain have many different religious

beliefs, some have none. But to benefit fully from this diversity we

need to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and has equal access to

opportunities and public services. That is the foundation for an

integrated society in which people of different faiths can have similar

chances in life. These measures would ensure that peoples of all faiths

and ethnic backgrounds will receive equal protection against

discrimination. I am pleased that these new provisions, making

discrimination on the grounds of religion and belief unlawful, will

also cover public functions as well as the provision of goods,

facilities, services and premises. We consulted with key stakeholders

on this issue and believe we have come up with proposals that will

attract widespread support."