11/12/2003

Law on religious and political discrimination amended

Legislation outlawing discrimination on the grounds of religious belief or political opinion has been strengthened by regulations which took effect on Wednesday.

The Regulations implement part of the EU Employment Framework Directive which requires Member States to introduce laws to prohibit discrimination on several grounds including religion or belief.

The Regulations amend the existing law - the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 - to provide for a revised definition of indirect discrimination, to define unlawful harassment; to provide protection from discrimination for office holders and existing or prospective members of occupational pension schemes.

The law will now apply to partnerships regardless of size and will also apply to certain acts after the employment relationship has ended.

The changes strengthen the existing law contained in the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 to being the Order into compliance with the Directive.

Advice and guidance on the legislation may be obtained from the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

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