The equality areas, or strands as they are commonly called are:
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Gender
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Race
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Disability
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Age
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Religion and faith
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Sexual orientation
Gender
This category covers men (including boys), women (including girls) and transgender people.
Race
Group of people defined by race, colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins
In addition, Romany Gypsies, Jews and Sikhs have been explicitly recognised by the courts as constituting racial groups for the purposes of the Race Relations Act.
Disability
“A mental or physical impairment that has an adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities that lasted for 12 months, or is likely to last for more than 12 months or for the rest of your life”
It includes those with hearing impairment, visual impairment, physical disability, learning disability or mental health problems. This act also covers people who have such illnesses as the HIV infection, cancer, depression, diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Age
Covers all ages.
Religion & faith
“A religious belief includes some form of collective worship, a clear belief system or a profound belief affecting a way of life or view of the world”
Examples include: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam/Muslim, Judaism, Sikhism, Atheist, Agnostic, any other religion. Non-belief is also covered by the Regulations.
Sexual orientation
Defined as:
- Orientation towards persons of the same sex (gay/lesbian)
- Orientation towards persons of the opposite sex (heterosexual)
- Orientation towards persons of the same sex and the opposite sex (bisexual)
The six strands are inclusive of all people and all are covered by discrimination legislation.
The strands are inclusive of all people. For example, women; men; black and minority ethnic people; young people and children; older people; disabled people; lesbians; gay men; bisexual people; trans people and people from different faith groups.
More information can be found in this section about the individual areas of equality.
