Public consultation on comprehensive equality legislation for the Isle of Man will start next week (Mon 11th)
The Equality Bill prohibits discrimination, in the provision of goods and services as well as in employment.
The Bill would replace current legislation including the Disability Discrimination Act 2006 and requires organisations to make adjustments to accommodate the needs of disabled people.
Chief Minister Allan Bell has described it as ‘one of the most important pieces of social legislation to be progressed in the Isle of Man in recent times.’
The Bill prohibits discrimination on the grounds of specified characteristics including age, disability, gender, race, religion and sexual orientation. There are a range of exceptions, however.
Mr Bell says whilst the majority of people on the Island share the values contained within the Bill, the Island is not immune to discrimination.
He adds that it is not a case of giving preference to certain sections of society or minority groups, but more a case of ensuring fair treatment for all.
The Bill is largely based on the United Kingdom’s Equality Act 2010 but with some adaptations for the Island.
Due to the lengthy and detailed nature of the Bill, the Council of Ministers has agreed to an extended period of consultation lasting three months. The consultation document will be available from Monday (August 11) on the consultation section of the Government website
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