All Legislation
Equality & Discrimination Law
c. 3
England & Wales
Equality Act 2006
View on legislation.gov.ukThis 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 Consolidated anti-discrimination law and repealed most of the substantive discrimination provisions of this Act; Part 1 (the EHRC) is retained.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 It was largely superseded by the Equality Act 2010 but remains important for the EHRC's constitution.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Consolidated anti-discrimination law and repealed most of the substantive discrimination provisions of this Act; Part 1 (the EHRC) is retained.