The setting up of a single equality commission – the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) - will create the first statutory body to protect Britain’s lesbian, gay and bisexual population.
The Equality Act 2006 - which establishes the EHRC - gained Royal assent on 16 February 2006.
The government has concluded that a single equality body represents the best option for a fairer, more inclusive and prosperous Britain. The government published Fairness For All: A New Commission for Equality and Human Rights White Paper in May 2004, and published their response, Commission for Equality and Human Rights: The Government Response to Consultation, in November 2004.
There were three separate equality commissions in Great Britain: the Commission for Racial Equality, The Equal Opportunities Commission, and the Disability Rights Commission. The EHRC now covers the six strands of equality - age, disability, race, religion & belief, gender and sexual orientation, as well as human rights.
The EHRC is working to promote an inclusive agenda, underlining the importance of equality for all in society as well as working to combat discrimination affecting specific groups. It works to promote equal opportunities for all and tackles barriers to social and economic participation. .
Stonewall welcomes the EHRC, and not only because there is currently no statutory framework to protect Britain's lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) population. We also strongly believe that effective protection will best be secured for LGB people – as for all other citizens – by a Commission that focuses on respect for all regardless of difference, working across traditional boundaries of delivery.
Stonewall was represented on the Steering Group, which was established in September 2004 to identify and lead the work needed to establish the EHRC as a fully functioning organisation, including exploring options for the new body including its role, functions, priorities, governance arrangements and structure.
Stonewall also welcomes the Government’s announcement that it will review the existing equality legislation, with a view to passing a Single Equality Bill to simplify and modernise our current laws.
The creation of a single equality commission will throw into harsh relief the uneven legislative landscape that currently exists to protect and promote equality for minority communities. Stonewall believes that a Single Equality Act – at the earliest opportunity – makes sense.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission can be contacted for advice and information using the details below.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission
Freepost RRLL-GHUX-CTRX
Arndale House
Arndale Centre
Manchester
M4 3EQ
0845 604 6610 - England main number
0845 604 6620 - England textphone
0845 604 6630 - England fax
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Wed 9:00 am-8:00 pm (last call taken at 7:45pm)
Wales
Equality and Human Rights Commission Helpline Wales
Freepost RRLR-UEYB-UYZL
3rd Floor
3 Callaghan Square
Cardiff
CF10 5BT
0845 604 8810 - Wales main number
0845 604 8820 - Wales textphone
0845 604 8830 - Wales fax
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Wed 9:00 am-8:00 pm (last call taken at 7:45pm)
Scotland
Equality and Human Rights Commission Helpline Scotland
Freepost RRLL-GYLB-UJTA
The Optima Building
58 Robertson Street
Glasgow
G2 8DU
0845 604 5510 - Scotland Main
0845 604 5520 - Scotland Textphone
0845 604 5530 - Scotland – Fax
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Wed 9:00 am-8:00 pm (last call taken at 7:45pm)
Stonewall accept no responsibility for the content of external sites.
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Fairness for All: a new Commission for Equality and Human Rights Response from Stonewall document |
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Fairness for All: a new Commission for Equality and Human Rights Response from Stonewall Scotland download |
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Fairness for All: a new Commission for Equality and Human Rights Response from Stonewall Cymru download |
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PDF format | |
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Related links | |
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Fairness for All: a New Commission for Equality and Human Rights Read the government white paper on the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, May 2004 | |
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Commission for Equality and Human Rights | |
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Equality and Diversity Forum Network of national organisations committed to progress on age, disability, gender, race, religion and belief, sexual orientation and broader equality issues. | |
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Commission for Equality and Human Rights: Structure, Functions and Powers Report by parliamentary Joint Selected Committee on Human Rights. |
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