Guernsey Disability Alliance criticises proposed changes to discrimination laws

A disability advocacy group in Guernsey has criticised proposed changes to the island's discrimination laws.

The Guernsey Disability Alliance (GDA) says it will seek an 'urgent meeting' with representatives from the States after it was announced that the proposed law was to be 'refocussed'.

Deputy Michelle Le Clerc, President of the Committee for Employment and Social Security, said the proposed law had received a 'massive, but mostly polarised' response. As a result, some parts of the legislation would be 'revisited', which includes the interpretation of the word 'disability'.

In a statement, the GDA described the situation as 'extremely concerning', saying the proposed 'medical approach' to defining disability would be detrimental to islanders.

The States heard criticism from parts of the island's business community about the potential impact that the legislation may have. However, the GDA says this impact has been 'misunderstood' and is based on 'grossly exaggerated costs'.

They also say the States should not rush through legislation that has been so long in the making.