Discrimination and the Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Discrimination and the Law - Essay ExampleThe Race Relations move 1968 extended the scope of the 1965 legality by making it applicable to living accommodations, employment and other matters. An improved Race Relations Act was framed in 1976 for the most part in accordance with the Sex Discrimination Act of 1975.The three main types of racial discrimination which were to be made unlawful under this act were film discrimination, indirect discrimination and victimisation. The primary objective of theRace Relations Act of 1976 was to form the legal foundation for protection from racial discrimination in the fields of employment, education, training, housing and the provision of goods, facilities and services. Under this law, racial discrimination means treating a person less favourably than others on racial grounds - meaning race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins. Although this law protects one against peoples actions, it cannot change their opinions or beliefs. (Hom e Office, n.d.)This Act resulted in the setting up of a committal for Racial Equality (CRE) as a statutory enforcement and writ of execution body to eliminate racial discrimination and to promote equal opportunities and harmonious race relations between people of difference races. The CRE has the power to undertake noble investigations into discrimination charges and to represent victims of discrimination.The Crime and Disorder Act of 199... The Public Order Act,1986 On 9 June 2005, the Government published the Racial and Religious Hatred note of hand which makes incitement to religious and racial hatred an offense under the The Public Order Act of 1986. Thereby, this Act makes it illegal to incite racial hatred, whether through linguistic process or action, such as distributing racist leaflets. Penalties are severe for anyone convicted of a racially motivated crime. (BBC, 2003) The race relation and racial hatred legislations have unendingly protected Sikhs and Jews as the Co urts have identified them as ethnic groups according to their interpretation of the Act. Muslims, however, are not protected as they are not considered to be an ethnic group under the law. Since hate crimes against Muslims have increased during the post 9/11 period and as Muslims are not considered to be an ethnic group, it poses a serious problem. The Racial and Religious Hatred Bill tries to amend this situation The Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations, 2003 The Employment Equality regulations makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate, harrass or gip an employee on the basis of any religion, religious belief, or similar philosophical belief. Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 The Race Relations (Amendment) Act provides new powers to tackle racism in public authorities by eliminating unlawful discrimination and promoting equality of opportunity. This Act makes it statutory for public authorities like all presidential term and local government services in cluding the Police to promote race equality. Public authorities should ensure that racial equality considerations are part of everything they do. This Act gives the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE)