Multiple discrimination

Amanda Hart of Doughty Street Chambers gave a fascinating talk on the issues of discrimination involved in the recent Miriam O'Reilly (ex-Countryfile presenter) case.  Amanda Hart was junior counsel for the claimant.

You can view the presentation slides and the judgment in the attached files below.

Claire Darwinof Matrix Chambers considers the recent cases in perceived discrimination law. In particular, Coleman v Attridge Law and Aitken v Commissioner of Police of The Metropolis, as well as the position under the Equality Act 2010, as a starting point for a general discussion of how this area of law will develop in the future.

This seminar examined conflicts of rights and competing interests in the context of the equalities framework

This response shows that the DLA welcomes the Government's recognition of the gap in existing provision for protection against discrimination on multiple intersectional grounds; seeks to allay fears regarding any increased burden in bringing or defending claims of multiple intersectional discrimination; corrects a misunderstanding regarding appropriate comparators; argues that protection should be extended to cover indirect discrimination and harassment, on a combination of two or three protected grounds. 

This submission contains the DLA's views how the equality bill should tackle disability equality.

Should we be optimistic about the Higher Courts and see them as the protectors of progress or are we moving backwards?

In its submission to the EC, the DLA makes a number of specific recommendations regarding the text of this proposed Directive, specifically in the areas of exceptions, positive action, victimination, multiple discrimination, equality bodies, and public procurement.

The DLA strongly recommends that these changes are introduced via a single Directive covering all four grounds of discrimination (religion or belief, age, disability, and sexual orientation), rather than separate Directives for each ground. We believe that a single Directive will aid legal clarity and transparency from the perspective of individuals, employers and service-providers. In addition, a single Directive is a better response to the situation of those who experience multiple discrimination. The DLA raises the concern that the introduction of a further Directive does not lead to any regression from the level of protection already guaranteed in the existing Directives.

January 2008