Caste discrimination is to be outlawed in the UK, in what is a U-turn on previous government policy. The House of Lords has voted twice for legal protection to be given to the group of people
Caste discrimination is to be outlawed in the UK, in what is a U-turn on previous government policy. The House of Lords has voted twice for legal protection to be given to the group of people classified as "low caste", or so-called untouchables, who live in the UK and who generally have roots in the Indian sub-continent. MPs overturned the first Lords vote, but after peers again backed the plan on Monday, caste will now be included as an aspect of race under section 9(5) of the Equality Act 2010. The new legislation will offer protection against caste discrimination and harassment in relation to work, education, goods and services. The UK is the first European country to pass this legislation.
Peers were persuaded by a report by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) published in December 2010 which confirms that caste discrimination and harassment is a genuine problem in Britain and recommended a legislative response. The report estimates there are at least 50,000 (and perhaps in excess of 200,000) people living in Britain who are classified as “low caste”.
There has been some debate as to whether discrimination on grounds of caste is prohibited under the Equality Act 2010 as currently drafted. As it stands, caste would need to fit within the definition of religion or belief, or possibly race (ethnic origin). Those religious groups that may be considered to be exclusively or mainly low caste, for example, Ravidassias or Ambedkarite Buddhists, may be able to claim caste discrimination as part of a religion or belief discrimination claim. However, members of multi-caste religions such as Hinduism or Sikhism would not currently be afforded protection against caste discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
Peers were persuaded by a report by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) published in December 2010 which confirms that caste discrimination and harassment is a genuine problem in Britain and recommended a legislative response. The report estimates there are at least 50,000 (and perhaps in excess of 200,000) people living in Britain who are classified as “low caste”.
There has been some debate as to whether discrimination on grounds of caste is prohibited under the Equality Act 2010 as currently drafted. As it stands, caste would need to fit within the definition of religion or belief, or possibly race (ethnic origin). Those religious groups that may be considered to be exclusively or mainly low caste, for example, Ravidassias or Ambedkarite Buddhists, may be able to claim caste discrimination as part of a religion or belief discrimination claim. However, members of multi-caste religions such as Hinduism or Sikhism would not currently be afforded protection against caste discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.