Businesses to face financial penalties under new Guernsey equality law
People and organisations found to discriminate against someone because of their age, disability or race could face financial penalties under a long-awaited equality law.
The draft anti-discrimination law also offers new protection on the basis of:
Religion
Carer status
Marital status
Pregnancy
Sexual orientation
Trans status
The States of Guernsey is asking the public for their views on the proposals, before they go back to politicians in 2020. The law is then expected to come into force in 2021, at the earliest.
Campaigners have long argued for laws to protect against disability discrimination in the island, with the island's government slow to act after agreeing in principal to support such a move in 2013.
The plans will also see the establishment of an Equality and Rights Organisation by 2020, which will give guidance, training, and advice to the public and employers on their rights under the new law.
Should islanders feel they have been discriminated against, they will be able to lodge a complaint with a tribunal, under the plans.
It could then order financial compensation to be paid to the victim, or a non-financial remedy such as forcing an employer or service provider to change any discriminatory policies or practices.
Currently, the Bailiwick has just one equality law in place to protect islanders against sex discrimination at work.
Deputy Michelle Le Clerc said it was "hugely important" people played their role in shaping the legislation.
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