Equality laws go before House of Keys

A new law outlawing victimisation and harassment on the Isle of Man will go before the House of Keys for the first time this morning.

MHKs are due to discuss the Island's Equality bill when it receives its first reading.

The new legislation is designed to prevent discrimination and will replace a wide range of existing law.

The Equality Bill is due to receive its first reading this morning, with Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas presenting it to the House.

It will replace the Disability Discrimination Act, Employment (Sex Discrimination) Act, Race Relations Act and Breastfeeding Act.

Its aim is to prevent discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

And it also introduces a duty for public authorities to end discrimination and foster good relations.