Equality groups support plans to widen discrimination legislation in Guernsey
Plans to extend Guernsey's upcoming disability legislation to cover more than just disability are being welcomed by campaigners.
The Guernsey Disability Alliance is seeking assurance, however that the Social Security Committee's proposals won't mean any unreasonable delays (anything more than six months).
They say without sufficient resources, the proposed approach 'might dilute and further delay the States’ already woeful and much delayed efforts to comply with its duty to raise awareness of disability, foster respect for the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, and to combat stereotypes, prejudices and harmful practices relating to persons with disabilities'.
In a statement, the Equality Working Group said it agrees with the Social Security Committee that it is 'morally the right thing to do to protect people’s fundamental human rights not to be discriminated against' and that they believe this will be 'a crucial step to ensure all are treated with dignity and respect and enjoy equality of opportunity and access in all aspects of their lives'.
In addition, the Guernsey Equality Working Group said 'it is critical that sufficient additional resources are provided to ESS to:
Develop the legislation in the required timescale (including external consultant support)
Introduce an Equality Rights Organisation in advance of the introduction of the legislation.
“Inform and educate” the community including employers, through provision of information and advice, raising awareness and changing attitudes, and developing guidance.
Progress other strands of the Disability and Inclusion Strategy e.g. UNCRPD development; Framework for People with a Learning Disability.'