Written question asked by Lord Bellingham (Conservative) on Wednesday, 5 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 13 November 2003. It was answered by Gerry Sutcliffe (Labour) on Thursday, 13 November 2003 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will make a statement on the proposed Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003; if she will make a statement on the proposed Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003.

Answer: Mr. Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if she will make a statement on the proposed Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003;. [137609] (2) if she will make a statement on the proposed Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003. [137610] Mr. Sutcliffe: The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) and Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003, which come into force on 1 and 2 December 2003, are a major step forward in combating discrimination at work. For the first time the Regulations will put in place protection against discrimination and harassment on the ground of sexual orientation and religion or belief in workplaces in England, Scotland and Wales. The Regulations were developed following widespread consultation since 2000 and they implement the Employment Discrimination Directive of November 2000.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 413 c400W; 137609;137610
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Employment Equality Religion Sexuality Statutory instruments
Legislation: Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003; Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk