NICVA briefing paper on the Single Equality Bill

Over more than thirty years, a perplexing array of domestic and European equality legislation has evolved as laws have been passed to protest various groups.

A Green Paper has been issued by OFM/DFM proposing options for a draft Single Equality Bill (SEB). It is out for consultation until 12 November 2004.

It is important that voluntary and community organisations take the opportunity to influence the development of the SEB.

The Bill aims to unify current equality rights into a single instrument. This will make it easier to understand equality legislation, define what the legislation covers and help individuals to know, protect and enforce their rights.

Key issues

• Should the SEB embrace positive steps to promote equality as well as making discrimination unlawful?
• Should equality legislation be expended to cover new types of people such as asylum seekers, victims and ex-prisoners?
• Should volunteers be covered in the new legislation?
• How can the legislation be enforced effectively?

NICVA's briefing paper, below, discusses these issues. A series of workshops have been organised in local areas in conjunction with community networks to help facilitate discussion on the Bill.

NICVA Briefing Paper (251Kb)

OFM/DFM staff will be present at each workshop to explain the Bill and its implications and there will be time for questions and discussion.

Workshops

19 October 2004 at 10.00am in Ballybot House, Newry, in conjunction with Newry Confederation of Community Groups.

25 October 2004 at 2.00pm in Adair Arms Hotel, Ballymena, in conjunction with Ballymena Community Forum (refreshments available at 1.30pm).

27 October 2004 at 2.00pm in Rural Community Network, Cookstown (refreshments available at 1.30pm).

28 October 2004 at 7.30pm in Clinton Centre, Enniskillen, in conjunction with Fermanagh Trust.

Reserve a place

To register your place at a workshop, please contact:

Margaret Thompson
028 9087 7777