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Chapter 3: Scotland Research Findings 78_79
Chapter 3:
Scotland
Research Findings
137_They do not apply
to acts of discrimination
on grounds of colour or
nationality; these grounds
are covered in the original
Race Relations Act and they
remain unchanged.
138_HMSO The Scotland
Act 1998.
Authors: Wendy Davies and Ashok Ohri
Organisation and Social Development Consultants Ltd.
Introduction
Legislation
Legislation relating to race equality, as with all equality
legislation, is a matter which is reserved to the UK
Government and it is the UK legislation that applies in
Scotland. Currently there is anti-discriminatory legislation
prohibiting discrimination in the areas of employment and
the delivery of goods and services in relation to race, sex and
disability. The legislation relating to sexual orientation and
religion and belief covers all aspects of employment practice
and, from December 2006, there will be legislation that
prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of age.
The Race Relations Act 1976 (RRA) makes it unlawful to discriminate on the
grounds of colour, race, nationality (including citizenship), or ethnic or national
origin in employment, education, housing and the provision of goods, facilities
and services. The Act offers protection from direct discrimination, indirect
discrimination and victimisation.
The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 (RRAA) places enforceable duties
on public bodies to:
-
-
-
eliminate unlawful discrimination,
promote equality of opportunity, and
promote good relations between persons of different racial groups.
The Race Relations Act 1976 (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (‘the Race
Regulations’) incorporated the EU Race Directive into UK law by making
changes to the Race Relations Act 1976. It offers stronger protection from
racial discrimination and harassment. The Race Regulations apply to acts of
discrimination on grounds of race, ethnic or national origin. 137
The Scotland Act 1998 which established the Scottish Parliament defined equal
opportunities as:
“ the prevention, elimination or regulation of discrimination
between persons on grounds of sex or marital status, on racial
grounds, or on grounds of disability, age, sexual orientation,
language or social origin, or of other personal attributes,
including beliefs or opinions, such as religious beliefs or
political opinions.” 138