‘It feels more tangible now that we can hold a copy of it’
SEEING a draft of anti-discrimination legislation published made it feel like the end goal is finally in sight, said Guernsey Disability Alliance social policy director Carol Le Page.
‘It’s great to be able to get it to people and it is good news that people want to see it,’ said Mrs Le Page.
The 129-page draft was published in January after Employment & Social Security received several requests to make it accessible to the public.
Outlined in the document is conduct and practices that will be considered illegal if considered to discriminate on the grounds of disability, race, carer status, sexual orientation or religious belief. The final draft is expected to be published later this year.
‘It isn’t finished yet, so people do have to be careful with it and not make plans based on it, it isn’t the final draft,’ she said.
‘There will be some tweaks in some areas – we have pointed out that some bits in the policy letter say one thing and where the law says another. The Law Officers shouldn’t have done anything different to what is seen in the policy letter, but we aren’t anticipating any major differences.’
It was agreed last year that discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and religion or belief would feature in the first phase of the discrimination legislation, which is due to come into force in April or May 2023. The full legislation is planned to be phased in five stages between then and 2028.
‘It’s amazing really. In November, we were looking at discrimination on sexual orientation and religious grounds, then by December we were looking at a draft. It is good to actually physically see it and hold a copy of it, it feels more tangible.’
Once the final draft has been published, deputies, members of the public and other interested parties will go over it once again before it is debated.
It will come into force no sooner than six months after the States’ has given its approval, to allow for businesses to prepare for the changes.
‘It feels like we’re on the horizon, it’s not just a light at the end of the tunnel, we are seeing the sun rise now,’ said Mrs Le Page.
As it stands, protections against discrimination do exist in the island but on a limited basis. Under the Sex Discrimination Employment Ordinance, which came into action in 2006, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against employees on the grounds of sex, marriage or gender reassignment.
Public events
. An update on the legislation will be given by Employment & Social Security president Deputy Peter Roffey at Les Cotils at 7pm on Wednesday. Booking can through info@disabilityalliance.org.gg.
. The GDA social policy team will be hosting a drop-in for islanders wanting to learn more about the legislation at Les Cotils from 10am to 4pm on Friday.
