Age, sexual discrimination to be examined

NOVEMBER 4, 2011: Age discrimination could soon be outlawed, Government said on Friday.

Amendments to the Human Rights Act are due to be tabled in the House of Assembly to ban discrimination on the grounds of age.

And a new Equality Act could be used to make discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation illegal.

Delivering the Throne Speech at Cabinet Office, Governor Sir Richard Gozney said: “In keeping with its track record of dealing with sometimes controversial social issues, your Government will also be tackling discrimination.

“While the Government is aware of the sensitivities in the community surrounding sexual orientation, it does not condone discrimination in employment and accommodation based on a person’s lifestyle choices.

“Accordingly, the Government will assess whether it is feasible to introduce an Equality Act.”

Afterwards, Premier Paula Cox added: “People know they are not buying a pig in a poke — we’re not being secretive about dealing with discrimination.”