This page mainly applies to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different rules — check the jurisdiction before relying on this information.
Last amended by Equality Act 2010 in 2010. Consolidated anti-discrimination law and repealed most of the substantive discrimination provisions of this Act; Part 1 (the EHRC) is retained.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Summary
The Equality Act 2006 established the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (EHRC) and prohibited discrimination on grounds of religion or belief. It was largely superseded by the Equality Act 2010 but remains important for the EHRC's constitution.
Key Points
- Established the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
- EHRC's duties: promote equality, monitor human rights, enforce discrimination law
- Originally prohibited discrimination on grounds of religion or belief in goods and services
- Substantive anti-discrimination provisions now in Equality Act 2010
- EHRC powers to conduct inquiries, investigations, and issue compliance notices
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2010 — Equality Act 2010
Consolidated anti-discrimination law and repealed most of the substantive discrimination provisions of this Act; Part 1 (the EHRC) is retained.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the main purpose of the Equality Act 2006?
- The Equality Act 2006 established the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). This body took over the work of previous equality commissions and added a specific mandate for human rights. Its overarching duty is to encourage and support the development of a society based on equality, dignity, respect, and good relations.
- What powers does the Equality and Human Rights Commission have?
- The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has several key duties. It must promote equality, monitor human rights, and enforce discrimination law. Additionally, it is empowered to conduct inquiries into matters relating to its functions, investigate suspected unlawful acts, and issue compliance or unlawful-act notices.
- Did the Equality Act 2006 ban religious discrimination?
- The Equality Act 2006 originally prohibited discrimination on grounds of religion or belief in the provision of goods, facilities, and services. However, these substantive anti-discrimination provisions were repealed and are now superseded by the Equality Act 2010, which consolidated the relevant laws.
- Is the Equality Act 2006 still in force?
- Most of the substantive discrimination provisions in the Equality Act 2006 were repealed by the Equality Act 2010. However, Part 1 of the 2006 Act, which establishes the Equality and Human Rights Commission and defines its constitution and duties, remains in force and is important for the Commission's legal standing.
- Which areas of the UK does the Equality Act 2006 cover?
- The Equality Act 2006 applies to England and Wales. It established the Equality and Human Rights Commission and originally included provisions regarding religious discrimination in goods and services, though these specific rules have since been moved to the Equality Act 2010.