Menu
22/06/2004
Government launches equality proposal consultations
The Government today announced the start of a consultation process on a single Equality Bill for Northern Ireland.
The concept of a single Bill was originally advanced in the Assembly’s First Programme for Government, which was published in 2001.
This envisaged that a single Equality Bill would harmonise existing equality and anti-discrimination legislation and embrace new aspects of the equality agenda, such as age and sexual orientation.
Speaking at the launch in Parliament Buildings, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, John Spellar said: “This process of consultation on a single Equality Bill, is a very important development that will ultimately provide the people of Northern Ireland with clear and concise anti-discrimination and equality law, in one legal instrument.”
The Minister stressed that public consultation was the key to a successful single Equality Bill.
“This consultation document does not provide definitive proposals," Mr Spellar said. "No decisions on the content of the Bill will be taken in advance of the type of comprehensive and inclusive consultation process that we are embarking on today."
The consultation process on a single Equality Bill will run until November 12, 2004.
(MB)
The concept of a single Bill was originally advanced in the Assembly’s First Programme for Government, which was published in 2001.
This envisaged that a single Equality Bill would harmonise existing equality and anti-discrimination legislation and embrace new aspects of the equality agenda, such as age and sexual orientation.
Speaking at the launch in Parliament Buildings, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, John Spellar said: “This process of consultation on a single Equality Bill, is a very important development that will ultimately provide the people of Northern Ireland with clear and concise anti-discrimination and equality law, in one legal instrument.”
The Minister stressed that public consultation was the key to a successful single Equality Bill.
“This consultation document does not provide definitive proposals," Mr Spellar said. "No decisions on the content of the Bill will be taken in advance of the type of comprehensive and inclusive consultation process that we are embarking on today."
The consultation process on a single Equality Bill will run until November 12, 2004.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
19 November 2024
BCC Launches Public Consultation On £100m Belfast Stories Project
Belfast City Council has today launched a public consultation on the ambitious £100 million Belfast Stories project. The initiative aims to transform the former Bank of Ireland building and surrounding site into a major public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub.
BCC Launches Public Consultation On £100m Belfast Stories Project
Belfast City Council has today launched a public consultation on the ambitious £100 million Belfast Stories project. The initiative aims to transform the former Bank of Ireland building and surrounding site into a major public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub.
18 November 2024
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
26 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Police Recover Suspected Firearm In Strabane Police recovered a suspected firearm yesterday during a search outside Strabane town in County Tyrone. Detectives from the Police Service's Terrorism Investigation Unit, who are investigating the activities of the New IRA, made the discovery.
Other News In Brief
Police Recover Suspected Firearm In Strabane Police recovered a suspected firearm yesterday during a search outside Strabane town in County Tyrone. Detectives from the Police Service's Terrorism Investigation Unit, who are investigating the activities of the New IRA, made the discovery.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
