EHRC guidance on the Marriage (Same Sex Couple) Act

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published guidance on the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013. Are you clear on the impact of this Act in your organisation? For example: How does the right to freedom of expression, including the expression of religious and other beliefs apply when teaching? Does the Act protect freedom of expression, including freedom to express religious or other beliefs? Can schools and colleges with a religious character teach about marriage following the organisation’s religious ethos?

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Now marriage has been extended to same-sex couples, what does this mean for the future of civil partnerships?

Questions have been raised about the future of civil partnerships, as the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 passed through parliament. Do you think there is still a need for civil partnerships?

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Should a woman be allowed to wear the face veil?

The last few weeks and months have seen intense media debate on the issue of the right of women to wear the niqab, or face veil. Birmingham Metropolitan College, for example, recently introduced a ban on the wearing of a face veil, and then reversed their decision. I cannot possibly do justice to such a complex issue in a short article, but for what it’s worth, here are a few of my thoughts on the subject…

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Is asking about religious dress at a job interview discriminatory?

Some Muslim women wear the jilbab at work – a long or loose outer garment. What if the wearing of the jilbab at work poses a health and safety issue – can you discuss this at interview?

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New guidance on managing religion and belief in the workplace

Not sure how to manage employee rights to express religion or belief at work? The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have published a practical guide for employers. The new guidance will help employers interpret the implications of recent cases on workforce practice.

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