Equality groups slate green paper
Katharine Quarmby, July 2007 – Disability Now

http://www.disabilitynow.org.uk/news/news_jul_2007_001.htm

The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) has accused the government of taking “a huge step backwards” over equality laws, after it published its new proposals for single equalities legislation.

It was joined by other equality organisations and the Mayor of London in voicing strenuous criticism of a government consultation paper on the future framework for single equalities laws.

The green paper*, published last month, aims to make equality law clearer by condensing nine pieces of legislation into one new law and to consult on whether there are significant gaps in protection that should be plugged.

It contains proposals to compel private landlords to install equipment such as chairlifts and ramps for disabled tenants (who would have to pay), ban single-sex clubs and increase the protection available to women who want to breast-feed in public.

The government also wants to discuss whether the concept of “reasonable adjustment” should be extended to other groups, apart from disabled people.

But the green paper fails to strengthen legal penalties against discriminatory businesses and employers.

The DRC has also criticised the green paper for failing to simplify the legal process for those who need to have claims of discrimination heard and for removing the requirement for public bodies to have a written equality scheme.

The legal duty for all public bodies to publish a disability equality scheme was only introduced in December, along with the duty to promote equality for disabled people (the disability equality duty).

Caroline Gooding, the DRC’s director of legislative change, said: “The proposals drive a coach and horses through the disability equality duty (DED). This is a huge step backwards. We will use all our efforts to oppose some of the weakening of the DED.”

RADAR also criticised the green paper. Its chief executive, Liz Sayce, said: “The green paper that has been produced is a missed opportunity to establish legislation that will be sufficient to enable real equality.”

Organisations campaigning for equal rights for women were also critical. The Fawcett Society and the Equal Opportunities Commission drew attention to the fact that the consultation paper failed to discuss equal pay.

The Mayor of London was scathing about the green paper, criticising its rejection of “representative legal actions or a uniform system of equality tribunals to hear discrimination cases. It suggests no strengthening of penalties so that employers are deterred from discriminating”.

But Trevor Phillips, who chairs the new super body, the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, which will take over the enforcement of equality in three months’ time, welcomed the proposals.

He said the “government is right to address the impenetrable thicket of equality legislation that too often leaves everyone baffled as to what our rights might be”.

*The Discrimination Law Review. The consultation closes on 4 September.