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www.caj.org.uk
A Single Equality Bill for Whom? : from political rhetoric to equality for all
Debbie Kohner Equality Officer, CAJ
NICEM Annual Conference1 July 2011
www.caj.org.uk
Plan
1. Chronology of Single Equality Bill (SEB) in Northern
Ireland (NI)
2. Political Rhetoric - Stalemate
3. Why a SEB is still necessary in NI
4. What we need in a SEB for NI
www.caj.org.uk
The SEB in NI: a chronology• The First Executive
– 2001• Programme for Government• Open Consultation• Due to be law in 2003
– 2002• Delay in SEB schedule• Specific legislation to be introduced to address EU
Directives
www.caj.org.uk
The SEB in NI: a chronology• The Assembly Suspended
– 2003• Panel of Experts• Informal Consultation
– 2004• Preliminary consultation• Green Paper on a SEB for NI - consultation
– 2006• Still analysing responses• Expect 18 months to prepare
www.caj.org.uk
Chronology → Stalemate• The St Andrew’s Agreement
– Annex B commitment– March 2007 Pre-consultation on SEB
• 2007-11 Assembly– May 2007 motion for SEB– SEB team moved to other areas of work– Discrete legislation and policies– ‘No decision’ on SEB
www.caj.org.uk
Stalemate - Political Rhetoric
• Political rhetoric– Words without action– Opposition to SEB
www.caj.org.uk
DUP ManifestoEU elections 2009
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Stalemate - Political Rhetoric
• Political rhetoric– Words without action– Opposition to SEB
• Current Assembly– Majority of manifestos committed to SEB– SEB not expected in PfG– Discrete pieces of legislation more likely
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Why we need a SEB in NI
• Inconsistencies in NI equality law
www.caj.org.ukOFMDFM Working Paper for SEB 2007
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Why we need a SEB in NI
• Inconsistencies in NI equality law
• Complexity of NI equality law
• Concerns over access to justice
• International imperatives
• NI equality law is incomplete
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What we need for SEB in NI• Harmonise, strengthen and simplify NI
equality law
• Not direct import of GB Equality Act
• Build on local work and consultations
• Learn from GB successes and challenges
• Find a local solution to a local context
www.caj.org.uk
Any questions?
Thank you
Debbie Kohner
Equality Programme Officer, CAJ