Work is underway to support the implementation of the Isle of Man’s equality legislation.
The Cabinet Office will be working closely with the public and private sectors after the Appointed Day Order for the Equality Act was successfully laid before Tynwald in January.
Training, information and advice will be available to help organisations to prepare ahead of the phased introduction of the new anti-discrimination laws.
The Equality Act is one of the most important pieces of social legislation to be progressed in the Isle of Man in recent times. It seeks to ensure fair and equal treatment for all, in a way that allows everyone to play their part in the social and economic life of the community.
The legislation prohibits discrimination, in the provision of goods and services as well as in employment, on the grounds of specified characteristics including age, disability, gender, race, religion and sexual orientation. It is being phased in over a period of two years to provide organisations with plenty of time to comply with the new measures.
Work will continue to take place to raise awareness of the implications of the legislation and what is required in order to become equality ready.
The implementation schedule for the Equality Act is –
1 January 2019
- gender reassignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
1 January 2020
- age
- disability
- equal pay for work of equal value
Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas MHK said:
‘The Equality Act embodies the values of fairness and tolerance that you would expect in an inclusive and caring society.’
He added:
‘The phased introduction of the legislation will allow time for familiarisation and preparation. We will work closely with organisations to provide practical guidance and support in the months ahead.’
