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Religious  Civil  &  Discrimination  Law

Since 1975 it has been illegal to discriminate on the basis of another persons Race or Sex.

Sex Discrimination Act 1975

Race Relations Act 1976

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995

These Anti-discrimination laws have applied both to employment and to the provision of goods and services. There has however been no similar legislation preventing discrimination on the grounds of Religion.

On the 2nd December 2003 The Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 were brought into force and apply to behaviour FROM that date. These regulations are discussed in more detail in the Employment   section of this site.

On 30th April 2007 Part 2 of the Equality Act 2006 came into force.  This legislation makes it illegal for individuals or organisations to discriminate on the grounds of Religion or Belief in the supply of goods and services. The Government has also produced Guidance on (Religion & Belief Discrimination in Goods and Services)

 Section 44 defines Religion or Belief as follows

(a) “religion” means any religion,
(b) “belief” means any religious or philosophical belief,
(c) a reference to religion includes a reference to lack of religion, and
(d) a reference to belief includes a reference to lack of belief.

This is a definition that is broad enough to cover atheism, “mainstream” religions and also cranks, cults, Satanists, warlocks and believers in the second coming of Elvis. 

The Government has published explanatory notes to explain the purpose behind the Act; and the subject is also covered in some detail in my book Religious Discrimination and Hatred Law