Equality and Human Rights Commission

Jackie Driver, Head of Policy- Planning and Environment

Should religion or belief based organisations have

exemptions from equality laws?

The right to flourish – a modern definition of equality

The Equality and Human Rights Commission champions equality and human rights for all, working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society.

Legislation

Under section 3 of the Equality Act 2006 the EHRC is tasked with:

"encouraging and supporting the development of a society in which- • (a) people's ability to achieve their potential is not limited by prejudice

or discrimination• (b) there is respect for and protection of each individual's human rights• (c) there is respect for the dignity and worth of each individual• (d) each individual has an equal opportunity to participate in society,

and• (e) there is mutual respect between groups based on understanding

and valuing of diversity and on shared respect for equality and human rights

Current human rights and equality law approaches to conflicting rights

The context

Courts decisions

Framing the tasks

Inflexible positions

Principled approach

Pragmatic approach

Models for balancing rights

Equality and Human Rights Commission Helpline contact numbers 0845 604 6610 - England main number0845 604 6620 - England textphone0845 604 6630 - England faxWales0845 604 8810 - Wales main number0845 604 8820 - Wales textphone0845 604 8830 - Wales faxScotland0845 604 5510 - Scotland Main0845 604 5520 - Scotland textphone0845 604 5530 - Scotland – Fax

Enquiries: http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/Pages/enquiry

‘Building a society built on fairness and respect where people are confident in all aspects of their diversity.’